NC H845

Requires installation of public rescue equipment, including ring life buoys, at all piers and water access points owned or operated by state agencies and local governments in North Carolina

Ring life buoys must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards, be stored in bright orange or yellow stations for visibility, and have at least 100 feet of attached buoyant line with 5 kilonewton breaking strength

Equipment must be placed no more than 200 feet from shoreline at each access point, with signage alerting the public to availability and use

Facility owners/operators are responsible for installation, maintenance, and public education about the rescue equipment

Appropriates $25,000 in nonrecurring funds for FY 2025-2026 to the Wildlife Resources Commission, including grants of up to $500 to local governments in economic tier one areas for compliance