The desert climate makes boating in Arizona possible year-round, especially as boaters look to cool off in hotter temperatures. From expansive lakes like Saguaro Lake and Lake Powell to canyon-weaving rivers like the Colorado River and Salt River, it’s no wonder that some Valley residents consider taking up boating as a hobby.
While boating is a popular outdoor pastime in the summer, it can be dangerous if you don’t adhere to Arizona's boating laws and regulations. The state upholds these laws and requirements to ensure boaters practice safe boating etiquette to keep themselves and other water enthusiasts out of harm's way. One mistake or careless boater is sometimes all it takes to cause a boat accident.
If you own a boat or plan to rent one, it’s important you know and understand Arizona boating laws to ensure you have the best (and safest) experience on the water as possible.
Wearable flotation devices like a vest or jacket are some of the key safety requirements while operating or occupying a boat in the state of Arizona. This is one rule you do not want to break because all watercrafts are required to carry flotation devices (wearable, throwable or both).
All watercraft in Arizona must follow these flotation device laws and requirements:
Although not required by law, all pets aboard a watercraft should also have a wearable device.
According to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, there are different types of flotation devices to choose from depending on the boating activity. All flotation devices have their own set of recommended uses and features, giving boaters a selection of wearable and throwable devices.
To ensure you and your boat passengers are safe, be sure to have the correct flotation devices on board as designated by their intended use or activity.
Some of the common flotation devices may include:
Type I (Inherently Buoyant) – These flotation devices work best in open, remote or rough waters where rescue may take longer to arrive because they offer the best protection and keeps a person’s head above water. They should be used while performing boating activities, such as cruising, racing, offshore fishing or in stormy conditions or while boating alone.
Type II (Inherently Buoyant) – These flotation devices are ideal in calm inland waters (close to shore) where immediate rescue is possible. Type II flotation devices provide less flotation than Type I, which means they are not suitable for an extended period of survival in rough waters and often require the wearer to tread water in order to keep their head above the surface.
Type III (Inherently Buoyant) – Similar to Type II, these flotation devices are best suited for inland waters during supervised activities, such as water skiing, fishing, kayaking, dingy races, etc. Type II devices are not designed for turning an unconscious person face up in the water.
Type IV (Throwable Device) - These flotation devices are not intended to be worn but thrown to a person overboard to provide buoyancy or supplement the buoyancy of their wearable device. The device style ranges from a square cushion to a ring or horseshoe-shaped buoy and it should be readily available for immediate use.
If you were in a boating accident due to another boater’s carelessness or failure to adhere to state boating laws, you may be eligible for compensation. Personal injury lawyers who specialize in boating accidents can help file your personal injury case and seek compensation for your losses.
We include only the best qualified lawyers on the PHX Elite Lawyers list to help connect you with a local law office after you’ve been injured in an accident. Explore our list of Phoenix attorneys and get in touch with a legal team today.
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