Utah State Parks and Recreation

Utah has some of the most beautiful waterways in the nation. Boating adventures include whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, waterskiing on glassy reflections of red rock canyons at Lake Powell, sailing on the clear, aqua-marine water of Bear Lake, trolling for trophy fish at Strawberry Reservoir, or canoeing on quiet mountain lakes.

With an ever-increasing demand on Utah’s limited number of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, boaters have the responsibility to practice and advocate safe, courteous, and ethical use of our waterways. This responsibility includes learning and obeying the boating safety laws and rules, properly registering boats, being environmentally conscious, and sharing the waterways with boaters, swimmers, and anglers.

Utah’s Boating Program aims to educate boaters about the laws and rules that promote public safety and protect our natural resources. These efforts are funded through boat registration fees, a state tax on gasoline used in motorboats, and federal boating safety grants.

Recent surveys indicate that more than 80 percent of Utah’s registered boat owners have not completed a boating safety course. This implies that a vast majority of Utah’s boaters are unaware of basic safety issues such as understanding the Navigation Rules, which safety equipment to carry on board, and how old a person must be to operate a boat. This manual is Utah’s home study boating safety course. Not only will successful completion of this course increase your knowledge and participation in boating safety, but it may also reduce the premiums you pay to insure your boat.

Utah’s Boating Program Mission Statement

To sustain and enhance the quality of boating by providing the facilities, education, enforcement, and the coordinated and balanced stewardship necessary to ensure enjoyable, safe, lawful, and environmentally acceptable boating experiences on Utah’s waterways, now and into the future.

Utah State Parks and Recreation Contact Information

Utah’s Most Commonly Cited Boating Violations

Speed and Proximity

A wakeless (idle) speed is required when operating your vessel within 150 feet of: other vessels, people in or floating on the water, shore anglers, launching ramps, docks, or designated swimming areas.

Life Jackets (PFDs)

A serviceable, properly sized and fitted Type I, II, or III U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD is required for each person on board your vessel. In addition, each person under the age of 13 must wear their PFD when they are on board. Also, boats 16 feet or longer must carry at least one Type IV throwable PFD in an immediately available position.

Fire Extinguishers

Every motorboat that is not of open construction and carries any flammable or toxic liquid in an enclosed compartment must have at least one serviceable Type B, marine–approved fire extinguisher on board.

Registration and Bow Numbers

Every vessel equipped with a motor or sail (except a sailboard) must be registered and numbered. Bow numbers and registration decals must be properly displayed. Utah residents must register their vessels in Utah if they use their vessels on Utah waters. In addition, the registration card must be carried on board the vessel.