Prevent Open Water Drownings

Open Water Safety Tips and Resources

Need a lifejacket? The Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from the Ryan Thomas Foundation has implemented 18 lifejacket kiosks across Arizona.

Safety Tips

Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.

Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination — over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol.

Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.

Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone.

Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

Boating Safety

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators have classes for safe boating. Classroom courses are available and added on a regular basis. Call (623) 236-7235 for the most current information or to register. The course is also available online: Boat Arizona Course