Whether boating or paddling, stay safe and sober
PHOENIX — If you plan on heading out on the water over the Labor Day weekend, do so safely and responsibly by wearing a life jacket and designating a sober operator.
"Whether you are boating, kayaking or paddleboarding, minimizing risk is the name of the game," said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). "Wearing a life jacket is, by far, the easiest and most effective way to reduce risk when on the water."
Wearing a life jacket helps keep everyone safe, but it's legally required for passengers age 12 and younger. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are a great way to spend time on our rivers and lakes, but keep in mind they are considered watercraft and users are legally required to have a life jacket on board.
AZGFD officers and other boating safety partners will be stepping up their patrols over the Labor Day weekend and will be on the lookout for reckless operators and people operating a motorized watercraft while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Although the legal limit for operating a boat in Arizona is a .08 blood-alcohol concentration, an operator is in violation of the law and may be prosecuted for operating a watercraft while impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol and/or drugs.
So far in 2026, there have been six fatalities and 81 reported collisions on Arizona's waterways.
"Our top priority is to create a safe environment for everyone who is out enjoying Arizona's waterways," said Major Danny Rodriguez, boating law administrator. "If alcohol is being consumed on your boat, always designate a sober operator."
Staying safe and legal at a glance this Labor Day weekend:
- Don't risk it—wear a life jacket. It's the smart move for anyone going out on the water and it's the law for kids 12 years and younger.
- Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are considered watercraft, which means they are legally required to have a life jacket on board.
- Always designate a sober operator. You may be prosecuted for operating a watercraft while impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol and/or drugs.
Bottom line: Wear a life jacket, designate a sober operator and enjoy a safe weekend on the water.
Get more information about staying safe as well as instruction on trailering your vessel, navigational rules and legal requirements by taking a free AZGFD boater or paddlesports education course.