PWC on the Colorado River: This 223-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 congruent, a few laws differ and can be confusing to boaters.

This is why 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. Every year, many people are injured or killed as a result of operator inattention, boating under the influence, illegal skiing practices, and traveling at excessive speeds often at night, in congested waters, or around blind curves in the river. Operator inexperience is another problem in the region. Boaters often do not know the proper action to take when approaching other boaters in crossing or head-on situations. This is especially important on this congested waterway. Another dangerous practice is bow riding, which is both unsafe and illegal. Passengers riding on the front of a boat can be killed or severely injured by a boat’s propeller if they fall, slip or are thrown into the water.

The law restricts riding on the bow, gunwale or transom of a powerboat where there is no protective railing or other deterrent to falling overboard or if riding on the bow is an obvious danger. Safe Boating is Big Fun, so take a boating safety course. Arizona, California and Nevada offer free boating safety courses and safety guides. Taking a course may also get you a discount on your boat insurance.

See http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/TriState/Tri_State_Bro.pdf for more information