Tucson (KVOA) — As temperatures continue to rise, more people are expected to visit Arizona’s rivers and lakes as the school year ends.

This means that the risk of water-related accidents may increase.

To prevent drowning, AZGFD reminds the public of the importance of wearing life jackets during boating and water recreation.

In the run-up to National Safe Boat Week, May 20-26, AZGFD and partner agencies will host several lifejacket exchange events across the state.

The life jacket exchange program allows people with old, worn out and less effective life jackets to sample and exchange for new life jackets while supplies last.

AZGFD’s Boat Safety Education Coordinator, Josh Hoffman, said, “The exchange event is a great opportunity for boaters and rowers in Arizona to ensure they have lifejackets that fit correctly and are in good condition.” . “Before going out on the water, it is important for boaters to ensure that their life jackets are in good condition, properly sized and fit for their passengers.”

State law requires all passengers under the age of 12 to wear a life jacket while on the boat, and each passenger on board must have a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.

The life jacket exchange meeting will be held at the following place and date.

Saturday, May 20th:

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Bartlett Lake (Jojoba Lamp).

Canyon Lake (main ramp)

Lake Pleasant (10-lane ramp)

Saguaro Lake (main ramp) will also arrive on May 21st if additional life jackets are still available.

6am to 11am

Tempe Town Lake (Marina)

9am to 11am

Bullhead City Fire Department (Rotary Park, 2315 Balboa Drive, City of Bullhead)

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Eagle Motorsports (2106 AZ-Hwy 95, Bullhead City.) also runs the third Saturday of each month through August.

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Patagonia Lake State Park (Marina Ramp)

Saturday, June 3rd:

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

La Paz County Sheriff’s Boat Safety Building, 8484 Riverside Drive, Parker, AZ.

Friday, June 9th:

9am to 11am

Bullhead City Recreation Building (2285 Trane Road, Bullhead City, Arizona)

Saturday, June 10th:

10am-noon

Lake Havasu City (London Bridge Beach Stage). 1340 McCulloch Street N, City of Lake Havasu.

Please note: Type I and Type II life jackets are not accepted. Only ski vest type life jackets are eligible for exchange.

For more information about boating in Arizona, or to sign up for a free safety course, visit: www.azgfd.gov/boats.