Watercraft

Boating Safety Education-

Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober.

Life Jackets      

All vessels except sailboards and certain racing shells or rowing skulls must have at least one wearable Type I, II,

III or V life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

approved and of the proper size for each person on board.

All life jackets must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible.

In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer, except a canoe or kayak, must have on Type IV USCG approved throwable floatation device on board and readily accessible.

Boating Safety Classes

Educated boaters are 70 percent less likely to be involved in a boating accident. The best thing you can do for your safety, the safety of your passengers and other boaters is simple—take a boating education class.

Classes are available statewide throughout the year or online. Call (623) 236-7235 for more information.

Boating Safety Resource Guides

• The Boater's Guide of Arizona
• Arizona Boating Laws and Regulations
• 2008 Boating Safety Report
• Boating Laws- AZ Revised Statute, Title 5
• Tri-state Colorado River Boating Safety Guide
• Boat Colorado River

All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III life jacket while underway on any vessel. The life jacket must be fastened according to the manufacturer's recommended use and must fit the child properly.

Each person on a personal watercraft such as a jet ski must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III life jacket and

all closures must be fastened and secured according to the manufacturer's design or recommended use and must be adjusted for a snug fit.

Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or a similar device must wear a life jacket or buoyant belt. Note however, that buoyant belts are not approved by the USCG.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is also known as the 'silent killer'. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is very toxic even in small quantities.

It is produced when a carbon fuel, such as gasoline or diesel is burned.

Carbon monoxide disperses freely through the air and will travel readily throughout a boat. It is discharged as engine, generator, or appliance exhaust may re-enter your boat through any opening.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are throbbing temples, inattentiveness of lack of concentration, inability to think coherently, ringing in the ears, tightness across the chest, headache, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, collapse, and convulsions.

Protect yourself from the silent killer and download and take with you the carbon monoxide brochure. 

Hypothermia

Do not let the temperature outside fool you. Cold water immersion and hypothermia can occur in water as cool as 70 degrees at any time of the year, even on a warm and sunny day.   

Arizona winters are mild, and recreational boating is popular year-round, but an unexpected immersion into cold water can cause hypothermia and even lead to a life-threatening situation.