Boat safely this busy Memorial Day weekend

The Memorial Day holiday is nearly upon us, and that means more boats are likely to be out on Arizona’s waterways this weekend. The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds boaters to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

Among the things you should do before heading out on a lake or river:

Make sure enough life jackets are on board the boat for everyone, and make sure they’re all the right size, Coast Guard-approved, and in good working order, free from holes.


Check that your boat’s motor and propulsion system are working right.


Don’t crowd other boaters, and remember to maintain a safe distance when passing others.


Know the passenger and weight limits for your boat, so you can avoid overloading it.


Make sure your fire extinguishers work.


Put drain plugs back in your boat after winter storage.


Know the “rules of the road.” The correct direction of travel on Arizona lakes is counterclockwise (shoreline off your right shoulder).


Visit azgfd.gov/boating to view other boating regulations, too.
“This week, May 19-25, is National Safe Boating Week, but boating safety is really important every day,” says Arizona’s Boating Law Administrator Kevin Bergersen. “You should always wear your life jacket when out on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates more than 400 lives could have been saved nationwide in 2006 if all boaters had worn life jackets.”

Bergersen also advises people to never drink and drive a boat. “Alcohol was a contributing factor in about one-third of all reported recreational boating deaths,” he says.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends taking a boating education class. Statistics show knowledgeable boaters are safe boaters. Those interested in taking a Game and Fish boating safety class can call (602) 789-3235 or visit azgfd.gov/boating for more information.

“When heading out to the water, do yourself and others a favor,” says Bergersen. “Boat safe, boat smart, and boat sober.”