Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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New video outlines the unique precautions required when heading offshore to a marine sanctuary. The NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries include more than 600,000 square miles of marine protected areas, from the rugged Olympic Peninsula of Washington to the "shipwreck alley" of Michigan's Thunder Bay and the turquoise-hued shallows of the Florida Keys. These national treasures present great opportunities for recreational boaters, anglers, and sailors – but only if they're prepared and have the g... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Boating Safety Education courses include instruction on the basic skills required to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, trailering your vessel, navigational rules, buoys, anchoring, legal requirements, boating emergencies, watersports and paddling. Take a boating education course now! Most insurance companies offer a discount on your boat or PWC insurance rate for completing one of our courses. Courses are offered in three formats: classroom... Full story
BoatUS urges boaters to be aware of engine weight when repowering a recreational boat. Boaters Aren't the Only Ones Getting Heavier; Outboard Engines Catch Up One year ago the U.S. Coast Guard required new recreational boats to have more floatation to support the increased weight of newer four-stroke outboards if the boat becomes swamped. Now the agency is implementing those changes as reported in the Spring 2019 issue of the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Circular. Boat Owners Association of... Full story
All across America boating season has begun. With some help from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, here are six ways boaters can help keep waters clean and be good environmental stewards all summer long. 1. Cleaning and waxing: When making your boat sparkle, understand that some general cleaning soaps may have harmful chemicals, so consider using alternate cleaning methods. You'd be surprised, for example, of how effective (and affordable) having a spray bottle with the... Full story
Video: How To Prepare Boat Shrink Wrap For Recycling In Six Easy Steps Ohio Clean Marinas Program shows how anyone can recycle their boat's winter shrink wrap. With recreational boats now waking up from their long winter's nap and their protective shrink wrap covers coming off prior to spring launch, a new video from the Ohio Clean Marinas Program shows boaters everywhere how to prepare boat shrink wrap for recycling in six easy steps. Essentially plastic, shrink wrap is an effective winter... Full story
When Earth Day was created in 1970, mainstream America was largely tuned out to the benefits of recycling. Fast forward nearly half a century, however, to Earth Day 2019 (April 22) and it's fairly common to see local paper, glass and plastic recycling programs. But what about boats? A pilot project by recreational marine industry businesses in the state of Rhode Island aims to finally find a solution for recycling boats. The challenge today is that the most common way to dispose of an old boat... Full story
Boatyards, marinas and clubs are waking up after a long winter's nap, and boaters have begun preparing their vessels for the season. While the boat needs to be looked at and readied for a summer of fun, so does your safety. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that doing these four free or low-cost things now will help ensure a summer of safe boating. 1. Get a free Vessel Safety Check: Where else can you ask a professional to go over your boat to ensure it's safe and... Full story
Life jacket exchange events kick off Safe Boating Week on Saturday, May 18 PHOENIX - Safe Boating Week is on the horizon and the Arizona Game and Fish Department will kick off the national campaign locally with multiple life jacket exchange events at area lakes Saturday, May 18. Now in its 11th year, the Life Jacket Exchange program allows people with an old, worn out life jacket to swap it for a new one (while supplies last). Last year, the department's Boating Safety Education program... Full story
THANK YOU -- (L to R) Capt. Jeff Dziedzic, TowBoatUS Mystic, Connecticut; Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.); and Capt. Keith Turgeon, TowBoatUS Mystic U.S. Coast Guard Re-authorization Includes Look At Improving 911 System For Boaters TowBoatUS Mystic Connecticut captain thanked from U.S. House floor. A sign of the times, the U.S. Coast Guard reports that it’s common for recreational boaters today to use cellphones to call during a boating emergency. While Boat Owners Association of The United S... Full story
Paddlesport, boating enthusiasts reminded to keep safe on the water. The calendar says winter is weeks away, but the thermometer says otherwise. For that reason, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds undeterred paddlesport enthusiasts to practice coldwater safety when heading on the water. Hypothermia Dangerous The U.S. Coast Guard reports that cold water immersion and hypothermia can occur in water as cool as 70 degrees. Even in a healthy person, cold-water immersion can impact muscle... Full story
Ethanol Misfueling Danger Laid Bare: Gas Pump Photos "The ethanol industry doesn't want you to see these photos." The President has officially moved to allow E15 (15 percent ethanol) gasoline sales have now been moved to allow E15 (15 percent ethanol) year-round - a fuel prohibited for use in recreational boats and a decision that recreational boating groups say will needlessly put 142 million American boaters at risk. New Website Protecting Boaters at the Gas Pump is a new website with a... Full story
I had the privilege this past week of touring Lake Pleasant in the company of Congressman Paul Gosar. Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S., is serving his fourth term in Congress as the Representative from Arizona's Fourth Congressional District. First elected in 2010, he came to Congress with no prior political experience. Gosar believes that the Constitution is the cornerstone of our Republic, and always pursues policies that allow for more individual liberty and less government involvement. -... Full story
This story is intended to serve as a general resource for recreational boating safety information. Should an issue or topic not be addressed here, feel free to contact Ed Huntsman, the District Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program manager, via email at Edward.L.Huntsman@uscg.mil or by telephone at 504-671-2148. FILE A FLOAT PLAN Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? The answer is simple - there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately... Full story
Bartlett Lake's double-decker pontoon boat is an important part of the annual Day on the Lake program. With Bartlett Lake Marina and Barrows Neurological Institute (plus sponsors such as Salt River Project), this adapted-watersports opportunity has offered both disabled adults and children the joys of water activities. The event is held two weekends each year, and 2018 marks the 22nd anniversary of this wonderful event. BOATING - 'Just Wear It!' Safety depends on wearing a life jacket whether... Full story
The cover photo from the National Safe Boating Congress (NSBC) reminds us that although boating safety is stressed during National Safe-Boating Week, May 19-May 25, it must be a priority all year 'round. All of the organizations that stress safety on the water emphasize the importance of wearing life jackets. Far too many accidents, with injuries and fatalities, have happened to even good swimmers who were not wearing pfds. Although it may be tempting to not wear a life jacket - for reasons that... Full story
You all amaze me! Thank you for another productive and engaging gathering of the Hunting and Angling Heritage Workgroup this past Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 – it is one for the books for sure. For those that didn't make it, below is a quick recap. If you want to see the full presentations, shoot me an email and I'll forward them to you, dburt@azgfd.gov. Overview: 37 attendees total 8 first‐timers (20%, includes 1 new organization – Arizona Huntress Facebook group) 17 + unique organizatio... Full story
PHOENIX — One of Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expos is less than three weeks away. And it’s FREE! The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo, presented by Shikar-Safari Club International, will be held on Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The event offers loads of activities, presentations and exhibits for everyone from novices to seasoned outdoor recreationists. The Expo has come a long way since its inception, growing from a s... Full story
While many parts of the country are shoveling snow and driving snow mobiles, in the desert areas of the Southwest, others are readying their craft for a new year of boating pleasure. Soon, two popular expos will showcase - among other outdoor activities -boating models and accessories. As the fun on the water begins, it is vitally important to remember "safety first" so that 2018 has zero-to-very few boating accidents. To this end, we highly recommend one of the safety courses listed on page 3... Full story
Adapted From An Article By Judy Hedding Each spring the Arizona Game and Fish Department hosts the very popular outdoor experience called the "Outdoor Expo". The largest outdoor expo in the state, this interactive experience allows people of all ages to participate in activities, see exhibits, and attend educational presentations relating to Arizona's wildlife, nature, hunting, camping, boating, recreational target shooting, archery, off-roading, and fishing. Expo Dates Saturday, March 24, from... Full story
Wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat in cold water - it could save your life, plus here are some good catching tips to snag a keeper this fall/winter. Nearly one-third of Arizona's boaters say fishing is their favorite activity to do while boating, and for many, fall is an ideal time of year to go out in search of that state record bass (or trout or catfish or ...). But, as the weather cools down, so does the water temperature. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that cold-water immersion and hy... Full story
Many outdoors fans forgo cubes and freeze large chunks of ice instead. It lasts longer and is easier to use inside a cooler. Chipping and splitting ice blocks has never been easier than with the Beckson Marine Shipmate Stainless Steel Pick, which has a multitude of other uses. This simple but strong tool is a rugged multitasker for boating, hunting, fishing, camping or working around the home. It can be used as an awl to punch holes in leather, thin sheet metal or other material, or make pilot h... Full story
The Lake Havasu Marine Association has been notified that it has received the prestigious Arizona Game and Fish Department Award for Excellence. Marine Association President Jim Salscheider was nominated this year for the award by the Yuma Director of Arizona Game and Fish, Pat Barber. Barber cited the Marine Association's efforts in maintaining and enhancing Lake Havasu's fishing opportunities, wildlife conservation, and recreational boating safety as key elements for winning the award... Full story
"Boating in Arizona can offer great experience for everyone on the water, but only if it is done safely and responsibly," said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. "While time on the water can be fun, it can quickly turn dangerous if you're not prepared ... all boat and watercraft users [need] to always wear their life jacket. It could very well save your life." Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey helped kick off May's Safe Boating Week by issuing a proclamation, encouraging the public... Full story
'Working on guns is a very interesting skill to learn, and a very satisfying process to become involved in.' Following is their chapter of completion, the conclusion of this fascinating project. Editor's Note: We at Arizona Boating & Watersports sincerely appreciate these two gunsmiths' sharing their story of and passion for rebuilding vintage guns. (Personally, I also appreciate the guidance given by retired Chief Mike Berger to our granddaughter Kelsee Haws while she was a student at Central... Full story
Washington, D.C. – June 28, 2017 – Today, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the 2017 Regional Fishery Management Council (RFMC) appointments and has shown that recreational fishing and boating are important to the Trump Administration. The appointments of Steve Heins of New York to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Chester Brewer of Florida to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; and Phil Dyskow of Florida, Dr. Bob Shipp of Alabama, and Dr. Greg Stunz of Texas to the... Full story
