Safety
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Boating Safety
U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment is required on all recreational boats. Here are some of the equipment requirements:
- A sound-producing device (such as a whistle, horn or air horn)
- A charged and serviceable fire extinguisher not older than 12 years
- One type IV throwable personal floatation device on board for boats 16 feet or longer
Other requirements, such as muffling devices and flags for towed sports, are outlined in the Boating Statutes & Regulations.
Take a Safety Class
Traditional Classes
Anyone 14 years or older can take an in-person, state-approved boating safety course and learn about safely operating a motorboat, Jet Ski or sailboat. A parent or guardian must accompany 14-17 years-old.
Online Classes
Anyone 18 years old or older may also take a web based boat safety class. Three that have approved content from the State of Colorado and NASBLA are BoatEd, BoaterExam and BoatU.S.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Class
This is a comprehensive course covering marine navigation, weather, rules of the road, boat handling, equipment, knots, trailering, and safety. For the USCG Auxiliary boating safety class schedule, contact Carl Koonsman at 303-985-3715. For more USCG Auxiliary boating skill classes, please visit cgaux.org.
Auxiliary Training with US Power Squadrons
Our NASBLA-approved introductory course, designated ABC3, includes Introduction to Boating, Boating Law, Boat Safety Equipment, Safe Boating, Navigation, Boating Problems, Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat, and Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating. For more details see America's Boating Course page.
Upcoming Classes
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Stay Safe on the Water
Life Jackets Save Lives
Life jackets are required when operating or riding in a boat. Most boating accidents happen when someone falls overboard. A life jacket will keep your airway clear of water and your head above water, and it will support your body should you stop swimming or become unconscious.
80%
of boating accident deaths might have been prevented had a life jacket been worn
9 out of 10
people who drown are not wearing a life jacket.
Wear a Life Jacket
Life Jackets
It’s required to have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets should be readily available to all passengers and in good and serviceable condition. Each life jacket must be the correct size to fit the person who will wear it. Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket whenever their vessel is on the water, except when they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck. Life jackets should always be used according to the manufacturer's label. When in doubt, read the label, and if you can no longer read the label, then the life jacket is no longer in good condition.
Cold Weather Boating
Falling into Cold Water
Water below 68 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping, inhalation of water, and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb.
What Should I do if I Fall into Cold Water?
If you ever find yourself in the water, stay with your boat. Cold muscles and wet clothes make it very difficult to get over the side and sometimes even the back of a boat. Never overestimate your swimming ability. All too often people underestimate the distance to shore or the effects of cold water and drown while attempting to make it to safety.
Boating Safety
Boating Incident
It is the law to report qualifying incidents to CPW.
Reports can be made with the Boating Incident Report Form.
Submit the report to:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
13787 S. Hwy. 85
Littleton, CO 80125