Swimming, boating and DUIs: See California rules for summer recreation
Summer in California brings warmer weather, shorter hours and more time outdoors.
Several state and local laws govern what residents can do at the beach, on the water and at home.
From swimwear rules to babysitting standards, here’s a quick guide to staying on the right side of the law.
Here are key takeaways:
- Going topless or wearing a thong bikini is not illegal under California’s indecent exposure law, which only prohibits exposing genitalia. Cities including Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Fresno enforce stricter local rules.
- As of Jan. 1, 2025, all motorized vessel operators in California must carry state-issued boater cards regardless of age, expanding a previous rule that only applied to boaters 60 and younger.
- Children under 16 cannot operate motorized boats over 15 horsepower on their own, and kids under 12 cannot operate most motorized vessels even with adult supervision.
- In California, it’s illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis and prescription medication. DUI laws apply to all-terrain vehicles and other off-road vehicles, with convictions punishable by up to $13,500 in fines and fees and six months in county jail.
- Seven incorporated cities in San Luis Obispo County enforce curfews on minors 17 and younger, with start times ranging from 10 p.m. in Grover Beach to midnights on weekends in San Luis Obispo.
- California does not set a legal minimum age for when a child can be left home alone. Instead, the decision is left to parents and guardians, who can face child endangerment charges.
- There is no minimum legal age for babysitters in California. The American Red Cross recommends babysitters be at least 11 and offers training in pediatric first aid, CPR and child care.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 11:20 AM.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen
The Tribune