Taking A Boat Safety Class Can Help Prevent Accidents & Injuries
A serious accident at Lake Pleasant over the weekend once again highlights the importance of safety and knowing the rules when operating a boat.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind boaters that “It Only Takes One.” One time not wearing your personal floatation device, one second of reckless operation, or one drink could put you over the limit.
“Many times, boat operators and passengers do not know the ‘rules of the road’ for Arizona’s waterways; in fact, they often do not know that there are rules,” says Kelley Fowke, boating education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Rules on Arizona waterways include the use of navigation lights at night, obeying buoys - the “road signs” of the lake, not allowing passengers to bow ride, and not producing a wake in a no wake zone.
“When people are on the water, they also tend to get caught up in the fun and they may not pay as much attention as they should to what is happening around them,” says Fowke. “And when they add alcohol to the mix, there may be even more problems.”
Due to dehydration from the wind and sun while on the water, Fowke says many people become intoxicated faster than they would otherwise and may reach the legal limit – now .08 – much faster than they realize.
“Most people would not do the wrong thing if they knew better, but they don’t know the rules. We recommend a boat safety class because there are a lot of rules and knowing them may prevent accidents, injury and even death,” says Fowke.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is one of several organizations that offer boating safety classes. “These classes not only help you be a safer, smarter boat operator, but they may also result in a decrease in the cost of your insurance,” adds Fowke.
The classes vary in location and times; the frequently-updated schedule can be found on the agency’s Web site at www.azgfd.com or by calling 602-789-3235.
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ARS 5-341. Negligent operation of watercraft or water skis; restriction in operation of watercraft
- No person shall operate a watercraft in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner.
- A person shall not operate a watercraft while allowing a person to ride on the gunwales, the transom or the decked over bow of a watercraft propelled by machinery operating in excess of wakeless speed.
Media Contact: Ms. Marijke “M.J.” Van Fleet, Watercraft and Off-Highway Vehicle Public Information Officer, 602-789-3377 or mvanfleet@gf.state.az.us