Game & Fish urges everyone to wear a life jacket when recreating on waterways
National Safe Boating Week began May 18, Lake Pleasant season is here
Posted 5/20/24
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is urging everyone to wear a life jacket, and follow all safety regulations and laws this summer when recreating on Arizona’s waterways.
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water safety
Game & Fish urges everyone to wear a life jacket when recreating on waterways
National Safe Boating Week began May 18, Lake Pleasant season is here
Courtesy AZGFD
It is National Safe Boating Week.
Posted
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is urging everyone to wear a life jacket, and follow all safety regulations and laws this summer when recreating on Arizona’s waterways.
“A life jacket does exactly what it says — it saves your life when you need it,” said Danny Rodriguez, watercraft law enforcement program coordinator. “However, it can only save your life if you’re wearing one, and often it’s too late to put one on once you realize you need it.”
In cases where the cause of death has been determined, 85% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket, according to U.S. Coast Guard statistics.
AZGFD wants to stress the importance of wearing a life jacket and focusing on safe boating practices as the busy boating season gets underway.
To promote the use of life jackets, as well as kick off National Safe Boating Week, AZGFD and partner agencies will conduct a life jacket exchange May 25. Those who have an old, worn out, or improperly fitting life jacket will be able to exchange it for a new one, free of charge (while supplies last).
“Like anything else, life jackets wear out with time, and these exchange events are a great opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to ensure they have a life jacket that not only fits correctly, but is in great condition and ready should they need it,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator.
Exchange locations Saturday, May 25:
• Parker Canyon Lake: main ramp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Patagonia Lake: marina ramp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Additional exchange location June 1-2:
• Lake Havasu City: Havasu Riviera, 2067 Havasu Riviera Parkway, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Additional exchange location June 15, July 20, Aug. 18:
• Bullhead City: Eagle Motorsports, 2106 AZ-Hwy. 95, store hours.
Note: Type 1 and Type II life jackets will not be accepted; only ski-type life jackets are eligible for exchange.
