Personal Watercraft, Saturation Patrols and OUI Checkpoints
To detect and remove impaired and unsafe boaters, officers from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other agencies in Arizona and bordering states of California and Nevada conduct saturation patrols. A boating law enforcement saturation patrol is on the water for one reason only — to save lives. Saturation patrols and OUI checkpoints, a similar operation, are conducted on Arizona’s lakes and rivers during the busiest boating months (March through September).
If you’re waved over by an officer during a saturation patrol or you enter an OUI checkpoint area while boating Arizona’s waterways this summer, don’t worry — if your boat operator is sober and the boat is safe, you’ll quickly be on your way again.
The boat’s driver will be checked to ensure he or she is not endangering others by operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol; and your boat will be assessed for it’s safety equipment to ensure it meets legal requirements.
For a responsible and safe boating experience on Arizona’s waterways this summer, consider taking an 8-hour boating education class near you or take it online. For boating education information, please call (623) 236-7325.