Category Archives: Boating

AZGFD to step up patrols for impaired boaters over holiday weekend

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To keep the public safe from watercraft-related accidents this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will increase patrols on Arizona’s waterways from July 1-3 during Operation Dry Water.

This nationwide campaign focuses on decreasing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities and educating recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence.

Law enforcement officers will remove dangerous and impaired operators from Arizona’s waterways during the holiday weekend. Officers may also give warnings or issue citations, including but not limited to safety equipment and life jacket violations.

“Boating or driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs are equally dangerous,” said Danny Rodriguez, AZGFD’s watercraft law administrator. “Our top priority is to create a safe environment for everyone enjoying Arizona’s waterways.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Fourth of July and Memorial Day holiday weekends account for more than one-third of all boating-related accidents and fatalities in the nation. One person died and six others were injured in watercraft-related accidents during the Fourth of July weekend last year in Arizona.

AZGFD’s life jacket exchange program celebrates 15 years

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PHOENIX — As the temperatures continue to rise and the school year ends, more people are expected to visit Arizona’s rivers and lakes, meaning the risk of water-related accidents will likely increase. To help prevent drownings, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public of the importance of wearing a life jacket when boating or recreating on the water.

To promote the use of life jackets and kick off National Safe Boating Week (May 20-26), AZGFD and partner agencies will host several life jacket exchange events throughout the state. The life jacket exchange program allows people with old, worn out, and less-effective life jackets to swap them for a new one while supplies last.

“The exchange events are an amazing opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to ensure they have a life jacket that fits correctly and is in good condition,” says AZGFD’s boating safety education coordinator, Josh Hoffman. “Before heading out on the water, it’s important that boaters ensure their life jackets are in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for passengers.”

State law requires all passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while on board a boat, and each passenger on board must have a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available. The life jacket requirements also apply to paddle crafts like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

“A life jacket does exactly what it says — it saves your life when needed; however, it can only save your life if you’re wearing one,” says Danny Rodriguez, watercraft law enforcement program coordinator.

The life jacket exchange events will take place at the following locations and dates:

Saturday, May 20:
8 a.m. – noon
Bartlett Lake (Jojoba Ramp).
Canyon Lake (Main Ramp)
Lake Pleasant (10-Lane Ramp)
Saguaro Lake (Main Ramp) also, May 21, if additional life jackets are still available.

6-11 a.m.
Tempe Town Lake (Marina)

9-11 a.m.
Bullhead City Fire Department (Rotary Park, 2315 Balboa Drive, Bullhead City)

9 a.m. – noon
Eagle Motorsports (2106 AZ-Hwy 95, Bullhead City.) also, every third Saturday of each month through August.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Patagonia Lake State Park (Marina ramp)

Saturday, June 3:
9 a.m. – noon
La Paz County Sheriff’s Boating Safety Building, 8484 Riverside Drive, Parker, AZ.

Friday, June 9:
9-11 a.m.
Bullhead City Recreation Building (2285 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ)

Saturday, June 10:
10 a.m. – noon
Lake Havasu City (London Bridge Beach Stage). 1340 McCulloch Blvd. N., Lake Havasu City.

Please note: Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted; only ski vest-type life jackets are eligible for exchange.

Since 2016, AZGFD has exchanged more than seven thousand life jackets across the state.

For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Wear a life jacket, practice safe and sober boating

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is urging all who recreate on Arizona’s waters to wear a life jacket, follow safety regulations and laws, as well as designate a sober operator.

So far in 2023, three people have lost their lives boating in Arizona. In 2022, boating accidents claimed the lives of 13 people, injured 60 more, and caused $1 million in damages.

“A life jacket does exactly what it says — it saves your life when you need it,” said Danny Rodriguez, watercraft law enforcement programs 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.”

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, in cases where the cause of death has been determined, 86% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket. AZGFD once again is stressing the importance of wearing a life jacket and focusing on safe boating practices as another busy boating season gets underway.

To promote the use of life jackets, as well as kick off National Safe Boating Week (May 20-26),  AZGFD and partner agencies will begin a series of summer life jacket exchange events. 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.

Northern Arizona Gazette would like to add considering the four-legged members of your family that you might take onboard, i.e., cats and dogs. Local pet and sports stores usually carry life preservers for them. You can find them on the Internet, as well, but if you can take your animal in to the store you can fit them properly. Remember that even though most dogs can swim, the Colorado river has areas of swift rapids and undertows that could drag your animal under water.

Exchange locations Saturday, May 20:

  • Bartlett Lake: Jojoba Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Canyon Lake: Main Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Lake Pleasant: 10-Lane Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Saguaro Lake: Main Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon (also May 21, if additional life jackets are still available).
  • Tempe Town Lake: Marina, 6-11 a.m.
  • Patagonia Lake State Park: Marina ramp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Bullhead City Fire Department: Rotary Park, 2315 Balboa Drive, Bullhead City, 9-11 a.m.
  • Eagle Motorsports: 2106 AZ-Hwy 95, Bullhead City, 9 a.m.-noon (also every third Saturday each month through August).

Exchange locations Saturday, June 3:

  • Parker, AZ: La Paz County Sheriff’s Boating Safety Building, 8484 Riverside Drive, Parker, AZ, 9 a.m.-noon.

Exchange locations Friday, June, 9:

  • Bullhead City Recreation Building, 2285 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 9-11 a.m.

Exchange locations Saturday, June 10:

  • Lake Havasu City: London Bridge Beach Stage, 1340 McCulloch Blvd. N., Lake Havasu City, 10 a.m.-noon.

Invasive zebra mussels found in “moss ball” aquarium product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), along with wildlife agencies across the country, are urging pet stores and aquarium owners to take action now to contain any “moss ball” plants designed for aquariums after invasive zebra mussels were found on these products in Arizona as well as other states. This is a national invasive species emergency and evolving situation.

Arizona officials were alerted about this situation after reports from the state of Washington indicated zebra mussels were discovered attached to a moss ball plant at a local Petco store. The moss balls are a species of algae that form green balls up to a few inches in diameter and are sold as an aquarium plant under names such as “Beta Buddy Marimo Balls,” “Mini Marimo Moss Balls,” and “Marimo Moss Ball Plant.” They may be sold separately or provided with the sale of Betta fish. These moss balls are believed to have been imported from the Ukraine, where the zebra mussels are a native species, and distributed across the U.S.

The concern is the zebra mussels that have been distributed with the moss balls can be easily overlooked. The larval life stage of the mussels (veligers) are microscopic. The water the moss balls are in can contain viable veligers and adult mussels, which if released into Arizona’s waters can have devastating consequences.

“Zebra mussels can pose a significant risk to Arizona’s waters, so we urge anyone who may have recently purchased these products to follow disposal directions and most importantly, not to release the plants, mussels, or contaminated water into any drain or water source including streams, canals, ponds, and lakes” said Julie Carter, AZGFD Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief.

Guidelines for Consumers – DESTROY, DISPOSE, DRAIN
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges anyone that purchased the moss balls from any retailer to Destroy! Don’t Dump!

DESTROY in one of three ways:

  1. Freeze – Place the moss ball into a sealable plastic bag and freeze for at least 24 hours.
  2. Boil – Place the moss ball in boiling water for at least 1 full minute.
  3. Bleach or Vinegar – Submerge the moss ball in chlorine bleach or undiluted white vinegar for 20 minutes.

DISPOSE of the moss ball and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. If vinegar, boiling water, or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed of down a household drain—never down a storm drain, where it could enter and damage local waterways. Do not dispose of the moss balls in drains, waterways, or gardens.

DRAIN and clean the aquarium.

Collect any fish or other living organisms and place them in another container, with water from a separate, uncontaminated water source. Sterilize the contaminated aquarium water by adding ¼ teaspoon bleach for each gallon of water. Let the water sit for 10 minutes and then dispose of the sterilized water down a household drain.

Clean the aquarium and accessories using one of the following methods, ensuring that the disposal method you choose is in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations:
1. Hot Water Method:
– Use water that is 140 degrees F to flush and coat the tank and all accessory surfaces for at least one minute, OR
2. Disinfection Method:
– Submerge the moss ball in 1 cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for 10 minutes or undiluted white vinegar for 20 minutes.
– Soak the aquarium, substrate, rocks, décor, and filter media in the bleach water solution for 10 minutes.
– Rinse off all items prior to setting up the aquarium.
– Dispose of the previously used filter media and replace with new media.
– Use a dechlorinating product to neutralize any residual chlorine prior to reintroducing aquatic life.

It is recommended that you do another water change within a week and continue to monitor the tank for any unusual or unexpected aquatic life.

For more detailed instructions, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Guidelines for Pet Industry

Pet stores are urged to remove the product and any aquaria that have come into contact with the moss balls and quarantine them until further notice. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is working closely with other state agencies to remove the product from shelves until the best course of action can be taken. Guidance for the pet industry is in development and will be released soon.

What Risk Do Zebra Mussels Pose?

Zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mollusks. They are small, but very destructive. Although they have not yet been detected in Arizona waters, they are similar to invasive quagga mussels, which were first detected in Arizona in 2007. Both can quickly become established in a waterbody and cause millions of dollars in damage to boats and water intake pipes while creating significant ecological harm to native mussels, fishes, and other aquatic wildlife. As such, the help of the public is needed to maximize efforts to prevent the introduction and establishment of these destructive mussels in our state.

“Currently, there is not a known established population of zebra mussels in Arizona waters, and the public’s cooperation is necessary to keep it that way. These steps will help prevent invasive species from spreading and ensure we protect Arizona’s waters for ourselves and future generations ,” said Kate Dukette, AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is working together with other state and federal agricultural and wildlife agencies to address this development. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

For more information on invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species, visit www.azgfd.gov/AIS.

AZGFD to participate in multi-agency OUI checkpoint on Colorado River

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KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend, pursuing people operating their vessels under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs on the Colorado River.

AZGFD, together with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on the lookout for watercraft operators violating the law and who are found to be above Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.

Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.

“A large number of boating accidents involve alcohol,” said Brandon Carley, law enforcement supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Kingman office. “Removing impaired boaters from the waterways is a critical element in creating a safe, enjoyable recreational environment for the public.”

Before heading out boaters should review all laws and regulations prior to launching. Boaters and watercraft users should make sure to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket for every individual onboard and that everyone 12 years and younger are wearing a life jacket.

Boats must also have a working fire extinguisher and a type IV throwable personal floatation device (PFD) onboard.

Additional multi-agency OUI checkpoints will occur on the Colorado River and its reservoirs throughout the boating season.

For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

AZGFD to participate in multi-agency OUI checkpoint on Colorado River

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KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol May 31-June 2 on the Colorado River, pursuing those who are operating their boats and other watercraft while under the influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol.

AZGFD, together with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the National Park Service, will be enforcing Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.

Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs, and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.

“The responsibility for boating safety among watercraft users is critically important,” said Brandon Carley, law enforcement supervisor for the department’s regional office in Kingman. “The area is growing quickly, and we share these waterways with California and Nevada. It’s becoming very congested, which lends itself to more potential hazards.”

Carley advises boaters and watercraft users should review all regulations prior to launching. That includes having a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board and making sure that anyone 12 and under is wearing one at all times. Boats also must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and a Type IV throwable personal flotation device (PFD).

For more information on boating in Arizona, or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Life jacket exchange events scheduled for area lakes

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s boating season is here and the Arizona Game and Fish Department is helping watergoers prepare for a safe time on the water by offering multiple life jacket exchange events in the coming weeks.

Now in its 11th year, the Life Jacket Exchange program allows people with an old, worn out life jacket to swap it for a new one (while supplies last). Last year, the department’s Boating Safety Education program exchanged 1,520 of the life-saving jackets.

The events run from 10 a.m. to noon on these specific dates:

  • May 25 – Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell
  • May 25 – Parker Canyon Marina
  • May 25 – Patagonia Lake State Park
  • June 1 – Willow Springs Lake
  • June 7 – Antelope Point at Lake Powell
  • June 8 – Big Lake
  • June 15 – Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman Office
  • June 22 – Show Low Lake

Please note that Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted.

Before heading out on the water, it’s important that boaters check to ensure that their life jackets are in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for passengers. When inspecting life jackets, look for any rips or tears, missing straps, broken fasteners, and to ensure that the flotation hasn’t shifted. Life jackets should be inspected each boating season due to the environment’s impact on their materials.

State law requires all passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while on board and each passenger must have a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available.

Wearing a life jacket is the simplest way to ensure an individual’s safety on the water.

Drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2017, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s most readily available statistics. In the 449 water-related deaths that year, 370 people — approximately 84.5 percent — were not wearing a life jacket. Those statistics are reflected in Arizona: There were eleven recreational boating fatalities in the state last year and sadly, we’ve already had our first fatality of 2019 that involved a kayaker that was not wearing a life jacket. These deaths are preventable.

For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Life jacket exchange events kick off Safe Boating Week on Saturday, May 18

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PHOENIX — Safe Boating Week is on the horizon and the Arizona Game and Fish Department will kick off the national campaign locally with multiple life jacket exchange events at area lakes Saturday, May 18.

Now in its 11th year, the Life Jacket Exchange program allows people with an old, worn out life jacket to swap it for a new one (while supplies last). Last year, the department’s Boating Safety Education program exchanged 1,520 of the life-saving jackets.

“Life jackets save lives, but only if they’re still in good operating condition,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD’s boating safety education coordinator. “Like anything else, life jackets wear out with time and these exchange events are an amazing opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to ensure they have a life jacket that not only fits correctly, but is in great condition.”

  • The events run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 18 at seven locations throughout the state:
  • Bartlett Lake at the Jojoba Ramp
  • Bullhead City at Fire Station #2-1230 Hwy 95
  • Canyon Lake at the main boat ramp
  • Lake Havasu City at London Bridge Beach
  • Lake Pleasant at the 10- and four-lane boat ramps
  • Saguaro Lake at the main boat ramp (from 8 a.m. to noon)
  • Yuma at West Wetlands Park Pond

Please note that Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted, but other life jacket exchange events will be held at other times during the summer.

Before heading out on the water, it’s important that boaters check to ensure that their life jackets are in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for passengers. When inspecting life jackets, look for any rips or tears, missing straps, broken fasteners, and to ensure that the flotation hasn’t shifted. Life jackets should be inspected each boating season due to the environment’s impact on their materials.

State law requires all passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while on board and each passenger must have a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available.

May 18 is also the start of National Safe Boating Week, an effort to spread the message that wearing a life jacket is the simplest way to ensure an individual’s safety on the water.

Drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2017, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s most readily available statistics. In the 449 water-related deaths that year, 370 people — approximately 84.5 percent — were not wearing a life jacket. Those statistics are reflected in Arizona: There were eleven recreational boating fatalities in the state last year and sadly, we’ve already had our first fatality of 2019 that involved a kayaker that was not wearing a life jacket. These deaths are preventable.

“Through this program, the Arizona Game and Fish Department hopes to prevent boating tragedies and help to ensure everyone is safely enjoying Arizona’s waterways,” Hoffman said.

For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Visiting winter boaters: Schedule your free watercraft inspections

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PHOENIX — Visiting winter boaters: It’s time to schedule your free watercraft inspections and decontaminations before heading home. In order to avoid fines, quarantines and even impoundments when traveling across state lines, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has authorized providers to perform inspections and decontaminations for boats traveling from waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (AIS).

“Watercraft inspection and decontamination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of AIS and we are asking the boating public to do their part in calling and scheduling a no-cost inspection and decontamination,” AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Erin Raney said. “It is absolutely essential to have your boat inspected and if necessary, decontaminated, to prevent the spread of mussels and AIS into other waterbodies.”

Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native species that are often unintentionally introduced by human movement. They do not have predators outside of their native range, and are able to outcompete native species.

They can be animals, plants and even pathogens that cause disease in native wildlife. They can often be invisible to the naked eye, making them even more difficult to control. Once introduced, they can alter ecosystems by interrupting food chains, cause damage to boats and other recreational gear, clog up water and power infrastructure and pose safety hazards.

Appointments fill up fast, so be sure to call the Arizona Game and Fish AIS Program (623) 236-7608 with plenty of time ahead of departure.

Stop the spread of AIS and keep our waters clean and beautiful for ourselves and future generations. Regardless of where you boat, always remember to:

Clean boats, waders, anchors, equipment and gear by removing mud, plants, attached animals such as snails.
Drain all residual water from engines and motors, ballast tanks, live wells and bait wells. Pull your bilge plug and leave out during transport. Store with boat keys or in a location where you will remember before launch.
Dry all equipment that comes in contact with water, such as life jackets, ropes, buoys, tubes, etc.

Many states require that watercraft must stop for inspection, which includes both motorized and non-motorized boats. If you see signs that indicate that an inspection station is open, please stop and have your watercraft inspected by the state in which you are traveling.

Quagga mussels are extremely small and are excellent at hiding in places that are hard to inspect. So the more eyes looking over your watercraft, the better chance of preventing these hitchhikers from entering a new waterbody.

Boaters are required to comply with all AIS regulations of the respective states where they are traveling, as well as those of their final destination. Be sure to contact your local state AIS authorities for any additional questions on local regulation compliance.

AZGFD Paddlesports training course is first to meet national standard

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for offering the nation’s first paddlesports class that meets the national standard for ”On-Water Recreational Boating Skills – Human Propelled.” AZGFD’s “Paddlesports Arizona” course teaches fundamental paddlecraft skills that entry-level recreational boaters should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

In addition to conserving and protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting, fishing and off-highway vehicle laws, Arizona Game and Fish is responsible for registering Arizona watercraft, enforcing boating safety laws and educating the public on safe boating practices.

“Paddlesports Arizona” is the first human-propelled boating course in the U.S. to receive this voluntary third-party verification. According to AZGFD Education Branch Chief Kellie Tharp, paddlesports such as canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking are growing rapidly in Arizona.

“As paddlesports become more popular on Arizona waterways, the need to educate people on safe operation has become a priority for our department,” said Tharp. “Boating Safety Education Program Manager Kim Jackson and Boating Safety Education Coordinator Josh Hoffman are to be commended for creating a curriculum that meets ANSI’s stringent national standards.”

To see a schedule of free Arizona Game and Fish Department paddlesports classes, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/17. For more information, contact the Boating Education program at 623-236-7258 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Under funding provided by a U.S. Coast Guard grant, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators awarded AZGFD with a uniquely-numbered “Verified Course” mark indicating “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.” For more information about the process, please visit the Verified Course page on the NASBLA website.