Boating at Utah's State Parks Click Here
White Water Rafting Opportunities
Boating in Utah
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Boating at Utah's State Parks Click Here
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White Water Rafting Opportunities
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Safe Boating Council reports on Carbon Monoxide Dangers and Safety Tips |
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Safety ChecklistStreamflow Conditions
Ted Woolley reports that 75% of those who died in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Two-thirds of fatalities occurred due to operator error and less than one-quarter of the operators involved received any type of boater education. Every year more Utahns are choosing recreational boating as an ideal way to relax with family and friends. It's important everyone involved in recreational boating wear their life jackets, know and obey the rules of safe boating, observe proper safety practices, and show courtesy and consideration on the water.
Woolley reminds all water recreationists to maintain safety for themselves and others. He reminds boaters of the following safety tips and law changes:
--Make sure everyone aboard has access to a PFD and those 12 years old and under are wearing one
--Never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs
--Maintain a safe distance (150 feet) from other boats or persons
--Be knowledgeable in basic boating safety
--Know and understand Utah boating laws and rules
--Personal watercraft are boats and must abide by all the state's boating laws
--Personal watercraft can jump another boat's wakes if 150 feet away from the vessel
Persons 12 to 18 years old must now complete the personal watercraft course and have in his/her possession a boating safety certificate issued by Utah State Parks and Recreation. After completion of the course, PWC operators 12-15, must be under direct supervision of an adult at least 18 years of age.
Free copies of "Highlights from Utah Boating Laws and Rules" and the division's home boater education course, "Utah Boating Basics: A Guide to Responsible Boating" are available at Utah State Parks and Recreation at 1636 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116-3156 or by calling (801)538-7220.
Winterizing Tips for your Boat and Trailer
As the weather becomes cooler and boating season comes to a close, many boats are improperly stored for the winter, sometimes resulting in expensive repairs in the spring.
Utah State Parks and Recreation employees provide the following tips to help recreationists winterize their boats and boat trailers to avoid potential damage during the upcoming cold months. Additional tips are suggested to have your boat ready for spring boating when the weather warms again.
*When storing your boat, be sure to support the critical areas of the hull, including the bulkhead, keel and motor. Cover boats to protect the gel coat, woodwork, metal, and vinyl.
*Add a fuel stabilizer to gasoline or diesel fuel.
*Change engine oil to eliminate residual acids and moisture in the crankcase. Use nontoxic, environmentally friendly antifreeze to prevent freezing and corrosion in raw water cooling systems.
*If you have a battery on board to power a security system or bilge pump, make sure cells are filled with distilled water and fully charged. Clean the terminals with baking soda and apply a coat of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
*Inspect key components on your boat trailer, especially if it travels regularly on bumpy roads.
*Purchase and use an anti-theft device for your trailer or remove tires to discourage theft.
*Check frame for loose bolts and rust.
*If the trailer has brakes, make sure they are operating properly.
*Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect the treads and sidewalls for wear.
*All lights should burn brightly, check turn signals.
*Inspect the hitch, coupler and ball.
*Make sure the vehicle and trailer are level. A car or truck that has to much or too little weight at the hitch will be difficult to control.
For more information, including laws and rules or personal watercraft education, contact Utah State Parks and Recreation at (801) 538-7220.
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Great Salt Lake Cruises with Salt Island Adventures Utah's Great Salt Lake and Ancient Lake Bonneville -- The Utah Geological Survey provides an interesting tour of the Salt Lake. They have a dozen pages on the current lake levels, and ancient Lake Bonneville Great Salt Lake -- A truly informative page on the Great Salt Lake (GSL). It includes information on the Yacht club, sailing on the lake, and the sublime pleasures of the west desert. Current Boating Conditions at Utah's State Parks Lake Powell Conditions and Glen Canyon News from the National Park Service |
Life Jackets Essential to Boating
Recreationists are reminded to wear life jackets to help them stay alive in the extremely cold waters.
Two accidents, occurring earlier this year have prompted State Park rangers to urge boaters to follow State boating laws and safe boating rules. State law requires all passengers under age 14 to wear life jackets, while the boat is in operation. Rangers suggest that all passengers should wear their life jackets at all times. Life jackets help save lives and are credited by the survivors of the recent accidents.
For more information, boaters are encouraged to pick up a copy of Highlights of Boating Laws and Rules and Utah Boating Basics. These may be obtained by calling Utah State Parks and Recreation at (801)538-7220.
White Water Rafting Opportunities
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River Opportunities on the BLM
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Links to other boating safety and education courses
Utah Boating Safety Course
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:
----Local (Utah) Link:
----National Link:
U.S. Power Squadrons:
----National Link with information on courses taught in Utah:
----http://www.usps.org
On-Line Courses:
BoatUS On-Line course-http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse
Boat Safe On-Line Course
Great Salt Lake Yacht Club-- Junior Sailing Education
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
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