YSCO explains how to stay safe and violation-free on the water this summer

Yuma County Sheriff’s Office patrols from the Yuma Wash cut off all the way to Hidden Shore and the Imperial Dam to ensure all boaters are following the “Big Three” rules of operating safely.

YCSO said that the biggest violation they see is operating too fast in no wake zones, which is the equivalent of speeding in a car.

Tanya Withouski, a regular at Martinez Lake, said they see it often.

“The driving and not being awake of kids being on the sandbars and going by super fast and not paying attention to your surroundings,” said Withouski.

Not only do regulars see speeding, they see other reckless behavior that poses a risk to their safety.

“Drinking and driving in their boats that’s the worst of it all. They want to have fun and we understand that. Everyone wants to have a good time, but there has to be somebody responsible.” said Rick Hall, a regular at Martinez Lake.

YCSO said that if there is alcohol on your boat there must be a designated operator.

They also see boats that do not have the proper safety gear on board.

Coast Guard approved life jackets that properly fit each passenger and fire extinguishers are a necessity, according to YCSO.

These three round out the top three contributors of injuries and fatalities while boating, according to The Arizona Game and Fish Department.