This 233-mile stretch of the Colorado River has become a year-round recreation area for power boaters, paddlers, water-skiers, and fishermen. To enjoy a safe trip on the Colorado, boaters need to become familiar with the characteristics of the area that make boating on this desert waterway unique. The state lines of California, Nevada and Arizona intersect in the Colorado River area. While many boating laws are the same in each state, a few laws differ and can be confusing to boaters.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Nevada Department of Wildlife teamed up to publish this Boating Safety Guide to provide basic information which will assist you in planning a safe and enjoyable trip on the Colorado River.

Arizona: Watercraft With Motors Greater Than 8hp: The operator must be at least 12 years of age. An operator under the age of 12 must have direct on board supervision by a person who is at least 18 years old

California: Watercraft with motors greater than 15hp and sailboats exceeding 30’ in length: Operator must be at least 16 years old. Operators between the ages of 12 -15 must have a person 18 or older on board for supervision.

Nevada: Motorboats with motors of 15hp or greater on interstate waters: Any operator, born on or after Jan. 1, 1983, must possess proof of completion of a NASBLA approved boating course if operating on Nevada’s interstate waters, including but not limited to Lake Mead, Lake Mojave, Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake and Sections of the Colorado River System. PWC: The operator must be at least 14 years of age and comply with the requirement above.

Are there boating speed limits for Personal Watercraft?

Speed on the water is restricted to reasonable and prudent for conditions at that time, unless otherwise posted, such as a no wake zone. No wake zones are areas where a boat cannot create a wake or exceed 5 mph. Learn more about boating regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.

Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters

Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters: On January 1, 2010, a state law took effect, requiring dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.

The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that “the appropriate ‘911’ address or in the absence of a ‘911’ system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land,” must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Water Patrol Division recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.

If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff’s department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Water Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.

Dock owners at Lake of the Ozarks can see a recommended example for a dock sign at the Ameren UE website

Any individual who reports to a state or local agency that an emergency exists, knowing that the report is false, is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be found liable for the expense of the emergency response. An emergency includes any condition which results in, or could result in, the response of a public official in an authorized emergency vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

It is a felony for any individual to report or cause any report to be made to any state or local government agency that an emergency exists, who knows or should know that the response to the report is likely to cause death or great bodily injury and such injury or death is sustained by any person as a result of the false report

What are the rules for operating a personal watercraft such as a Jet

The laws for personal watercraft are the same as for boats, with a few exceptions:

• Every person on board a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• If the personal watercraft has a lanyard cutoff switch, the operator must attach the lanyard to his or her person.
• Personal watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.

As with other vessels, people under age 16 may not operate a personal watercraft that has more that 15 horsepower unless they are 12 to 15 years old AND supervised on board by an adult.

No. But there are some lakes that have banned two-stroke engines.

There is no statewide prohibition on the use of high emission two-stroke vessel engines. Failure to pass inspection will result in a full 8 calendar day dry-out period before that failed vessel is allowed to launch at a State Park Reservoir.

You will want to always check with the local water-body manager about updated restrictions

You can have Carbon Monoxide accumulate in a few locations on your boat

• Inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures can trap CO (Carbon Monoxide
• Exhaust Gas can get trapped in enclosed places
• Blocked Exhaust Outlets. Always make sure to check your outlets each time you go boating
• Carbon Monoxide from a boat/vessel positioned next to you can be just as deadly
• At slow speeds, while idling, or stopped, CO can remain at angerous levels in and around your boat, even if the engine is no longer running.

Be mindful of all the ways Co can collect and cause you harm. source WA Gov

Make sure to use a Marine Carbon Monoxide Detector – These detectors work much like smoke alarms in houses. They sense a moderate level of carbon monoxide present on the vessel and emit a loud siren noise to alert the occupants of the danger.

The dangers of carbon monoxide around boats cannot be understated. Nationwide, there were 571 reported boating-related carbon monoxide poisonings, including 113 deaths, between 1990 and 2004. Forty-three of the poisonings occurred in California. Because the carbon monoxide poisoning is only recently receiving attention, it is likely that many other deaths have been attributed to drowning or heart attack in years past may have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Source CA Gov

Why is Carbon Monoxide so Dangerous?

Carbon Monoxides enters your bloodstream through the your lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very quick exposure to high concentrations
can kill you.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced when carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil, burns. Sources on your boat may include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, grills, space and water heaters.

Teak surfing or also known as “platform dragging,” refers to body surfing by holding on to the swim platform of a moving vessel. It is extremely dangerous because it puts the surfer directly in the path of the boat’s exhaust and poisonous carbon monoxide. Teak surfing is illegal in all units of the National Park System and several states, including California, Nevada, Washington State and Pennsylvania.

How do I Get the Carbon Monoxide Decals?

Reply: Warning stickers are required by law

RCW 88.02.390 requires any new or used motor-driven vessel, other than a Jet Ski-type personal watercraft, to display a sticker that warns passengers of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

The CO warning sticker can be:

A sticker installed by the manufacturer (if approved by the state).
A sticker installed by another state (if approved by the state).

Some Helpful Tips for Selecting a child’s Personal Flotation Devices (PDF):

• You will want to take into account the child’s swimming ability. Children who are not swimmers should wear a Type 2 child vest, which has greater buoyancy than a Type 3 PFD
• You will want to consider the child’s age and experience level around the water.
• Make sure to teach the child how to relax and float in the water wearing a PFD.
• Make sure to choose the right type of PFD for the activity.
• Always check to make sure that the size is appropriate for the child’s weight.