As temperatures continue to rise and as the school year ends, more people are expected to visit Arizona’s rivers and lakes, likely increasing the risk of water-related accidents. To prevent drowning, the Arizona Game and Fish Service (AZGFD) reminds the public of the importance of wearing life jackets during boating and water recreation.

To promote lifejacket use and kick off 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 owners of old, worn, and less effective life jackets to exchange them for new ones 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.” rice field. “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 US Coast Guard approved life jacket . Life’s jacket requirements also apply to his paddle craft, including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

“Life jackets, as the name suggests, save lives when you need them. .

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).
• Lake Saguaro (main ramp) also May 21 If Additional life jackets are still available.

6am to 11am

• Lake Tempetown (at the marina).

9am to 11am

• Bullhead City Fire Department, Rotary Park, 2315 Balboa Dr.

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

• Eagle Motorsports, 2106 AZ-Hwy 95, Bullhead City, also the 3rd 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 Dr., Parker.

Friday, June 9th:

9am to 11am

• Bullhead City Recreation Building, 2285 Trane Road, Bullhead City.

Saturday, June 10th:

10am-noon

• Lake Havasu City (London Bridge Beach Stage), 1340 McCulloch Blvd. North, Lake Havasu City.

Note: Type I and Type II life jackets cannot be used. accept; Only ski vest type life jackets are eligible for exchange..

Since 2016, AZGFD has replaced over 7,000 life jackets statewide.

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