Watercraft

Life Jackets - PFDs     

 
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 (PFD) that is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved and of the proper size for each person on board.

Life jackets must be readily accessible, in good and serviceable condition and sized for the intended wearer.

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

All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III life jacket (PFD) anytime while underway on any vessel. The life jacket must be worn according to the design of the manufacturer's recommended use and must fit the child properly. All snaps must be snapped, zippers and fasteners closed.

Each person on a personal watercraft such as a personal watercraft (PWC) commonly known as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III PFD (life jacket) with all fasteners and closures secured according to the manufacturer's design and recommended use. Further, the life jacket 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.

National Safe Boating Council

Boating Safety Classes

Boating class schedule

Boaters that have completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrator (NASBLA) approved course certified by the state in which they reside are 70 percent less likely to be involved in a boating accident.

Boating safety education classes are available in a traditional classroom environment statewide throughout the year, or online via the Internet.

Call (623) 236-7235 or toll free (800) 824-2456 for more information.

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 a sudden and unexpected immersion into cold water can cause hypothermia and even lead to a life-threatening situation.