YCSO increases summer boating enforcement

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office along with other agencies will be increasing patrols on the lakes throughout the summer months.

YCSO says Deputies will be actively working to enforce the laws and conduct details on the waterways as well as throughout Yuma County. Behaviors that deputies are watching out for on the water are a reckless operation, bow riding, and other violations that risk operator and rider safety.

YCSO wants to remind everyone to be alert at all times, be respectful of buoys, and other navigational aids which have been placed there to ensure your own boating safety. Avoid alcohol when operating a vessel. Operating a vessel under the influence could cause serious injury and even death to you or others. Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, officers say.

Arizona’s Top 10 Boating Violations

1. Not enough life jackets (personal flotation devices) for everyone on board the vessel.

2. Fire extinguisher–lack of, non-marine type, and/or out of service.

3. Riding on the bow, transom, or gunwales of a vessel operating above a wakeless speed.

.4. Operating under the influence (OUI).

5. Excessive wake or speed.

6. No Type IV throwable PFD on board.

7. Children 12 years of age or younger not wearing a life jacket (PFD) while underway.

8. Reckless operation of personal watercraft.

9. Lights–specifically no or incorrect navigation lights.

10. Waterskiing without an observer.