Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Damages associated with boats sinking cost nearly $5.8M in 2015, according to the US Coast Guard. In that same year, new boats were commonly offered with everything from decorative underwater lighting to built-in cup holders. Yet, no one seemed to think about providing a dedicated space on deck for safety equipment, leaving owners to find storage spots throughout the vessel for gear that could possibly save lives. Almost every boat can sink. And it doesn't take running into a rock to do it. A co... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, together with boating professionals and enthusiasts nationwide, demonstrated the importance of remaining safe on the water by participating in Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on May 19. The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) serves as a fun, educational element ahead of National Safe Boating Week, which ran this year from May 20 to May 26. The event helps to raise awareness of different life jacket types, while demonstrating... Full story
The nation's largest recreational boating advocacy, services and safety group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), has issued its 2017 Top Ten Boat Names list, a tradition dating back a quarter decade. The names come from tallying up requests for boat names to the BoatUS Graphics service, and each reveal much about the personality of the vessel's owner. The BoatUS 2017 Top 10 Boat Names 1. Serenity: The utter calm and quietude boating brings 2. Seas the Day: A nautical... Full story
As are Arizona's safety-conscious agencies, personnel and outdoor enthusiasts, California too is stressing the importance of water-wise prevention, procedures, and equipment. California's Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) urges recreational boaters and water enthusiasts to take the necessary precautions this summer, starting with life jacket wear, to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This summer season begins with some of the highest water levels and coldest water not seen or... Full story
There's no better way to beat the Arizona summer heat than spending time on or in the cool waters of Roosevelt Lake. Cruising on a pontoon or house boar, jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, sailing, fishing, swimming – it's all great lake fun. What makes the fun even better? Knowing everyone is being safe while on the water. Knowledge of boating safety is essential for any boat owner or water sports enthusiast. Luckily, the information isn't hard to find. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (A... Full story
JANUARY: AYC Birthday Regatta and Leukemia Cup AZGFD Awards Banquet Great Canadian Picnic LA Boat Show San Diego Sunroad Boat Show FEBRUARY: Arizona Game & Fish Expo Bass Master Cruising Season Groundhog Day Mardi Gras Presidents’ Day Valentine’s Day MARCH: Ash Wednesday Dana Point Festival of Whales Daylight Savings Time Dragon Boat Festival Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show - Long Beach - San Diego International Sportsmen’s Expo and Arizona Boat Show Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Saint... Full story
This page is intended to serve as a general resource for recreational Federal Requirements boating safety information. Should an issue or topic not be addressed here, feel free to contact Ed Huntsman, the District Recreational Federal Requirements Federal Requirements Boating Safety (RBS) Program Manager, via email at Edward.L.Huntsman@uscg.milEdward.L.Huntsman or by telephone at 504-671-2148. Here are a few “hot” links that will provide you the information necessary to comply with the law. The... Full story
Who: For you by US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-11 http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-10-11 What: 2017 Boating-Safety Class Schedule Where: Century Marine, 3302 E. Main Street, Mesa, Ariz. 85213 When: Classes are scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on these dates: May 20 June 17 July 15 Aug. 19 Sept. 16 Oct.21 Nov. 18 How: You must pre-register by sending a check or money order ($25.00 per person) to: USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 10-11 728 E.... Full story
The official start of the boating season is nearly upon us and many Arizonans are getting ready to pull their favorite watercraft out from storage in preparation for more fun on the water. To ensure the season is hiccup-free, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that all watercraft owners thoroughly inspect their vessel to help prevent problems that could keep them off the water. To ensure you encounter only smooth sailing, watercraft owners should conduct the following inspections:... Full story
Arizona's rising temperatures are signaling that the summer heat isn't far off and some residents are already eyeing area lakes, looking to hit the water. With that in mind, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds watercraft users that while temperatures may be warm, water temperatures remain between the 50s and 60s at many of Arizona's boating havens. "Undoubtedly, we have seen phenomenally beautiful weather lately, but that hasn't done much to warm up our lakes," said AZGFD Boating... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently approved several boating and watercraft regulation changes aimed at increasing customer service and public safety on Arizona's waterways. The commission approved the changes at its April 7 meeting, amending the state's Article 5 rules, which outline boating and water sports regulations and fees. The proposed changes will now be considered by the Governor's Regulatory Review Council on June 6 and, if approved, will become effective Aug. 5. The... Full story
Across the United States, there are over 550 BoatUS Foundation Life Jacket Loaner sites that collectively loan out children's life jackets more than 140,000 times each year. That makes it one of the largest and most successful boating-safety programs in the country. Becoming a new loaner site is now easier with an application cycle that allows marinas, boat clubs, waterfront restaurants or government agencies to apply at any time, speeding the review process. There is no cost to set up a loaner... Full story
Getting corroded boat canvas zippers to work smoothly by using two common kitchen items has never been so popular, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). The national boating advocacy, services and safety group announced today the number one most widely viewed online "BoatTECH" how-to-fix-it tip this spring is author Don's Casey's simple saran wrap and vinegar repair. "Zippers with metal slides have a bad habit of becoming frozen with corrosion even though the teeth... Full story
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently approved several boating and watercraft Regulation changes aimed at increasing customer service and public safety on Arizona’s waterways. The commission approved the changes at its April 7 meeting, amending the state’s Article 5 rules, which outline boating and water sports regulations and fees. The proposed changes will now be considered by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council on June 6 and, if approved, will become effective Aug. 5.... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) will enhance its efforts to target removal of impaired watercraft and off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators from Arizona's recreation areas through a partnership with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. AGFD was awarded nearly $46,000 in grant funding for officers to target DUI/OUI offenders on the state's waterways and those riding OHVs. In addition to funding overtime for increased DUI/OUI patrols, officers will also target helmet, seat belt and... Full story
PHOENIX — Arizona’s rising temperatures are signaling that the summer heat isn’t far off and some residents are already eyeing area lakes, looking to hit the water. With that in mind, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds watercraft users that while temperatures may be warm, water temperatures remain between the 50s and 60s at many of Arizona’s boating havens. “Undoubtedly, we have seen phenomenally beautiful weather lately, but that hasn’t done much to warm up our lakes,” said AZGFD Bo... Full story
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is asking its more than half-million members - and any recreational boat owner concerned with having a safe fuel supply - to petition the Trump administration and Congress to reform the ethanol mandate, also known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a communication to members, BoatUS urged boaters to go to Fix the Ethanol Mandate http://www.capwiz.com/boatus/issues/alert/?alertid=74718646&type=CA to easily send a communication to their l... Full story
New U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy on lead fishing tackle blindsides recreational fishing community. On the day before President Obama left office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued an edict to phase out the use of traditional fishing tackle on the hundreds of thousands of square miles of public lands under its management. Director's Order No. 219 will, "require the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle to the fullest extent practicable for all activities on Service... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), is encouraging the state's boating and watercraft users to Spring Aboard and prepare for the boating season by enrolling in a safety education course. Spring Aboard is a national campaign that runs from March 19 to 25 and encourages boaters to protect themselves and their passengers by taking a safety course before stepping onto a boat or watercraft. This... Full story
Boats burn every year and when they do, things get bad. Quickly. For boaters, acknowledging the possibility of a fire is an exercise in fear because there's nothing more scary than to have open flames aboard and no place to go. I'd like to share two new videos from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water that I encourage you to share with friends: Four Fire Extinguisher Myths https://youtu.be/_i3gFgZnXyk At the BoatUS Foundation, this subject is always a "hot topic," especially... Full story
Arizona Boating & Watersports / Western Outdoor Times publications have won four awards. 2008 - Arizona Game & Fish Commission Media of The Year Award 2010 - National Water Safety Congress Award of Merit 2013 - Arizona Game & Fish Commission Media of The Year Award 2016 - Arizona Game & Fish Commission Outdoor Writer of The Year Award Arizona Boating & Watersports / Western Outdoor Times publications include - Arizona Boating & Watersports / Western Outdoor Tim... Full story
The U.S. Coast Guard's National On-Water Standards (NOWS) Program grant management team and the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) are pleased to announce the release of a new comprehensive "How-to..." guide for designing On-Water instruction using the American National Standard (ANS) for On-Water recreational powerboat operation. The Power Standard Technical Support Document (Power TSD) was developed to assist education providers, course developers and instructors in designing and... Full story
A lot goes on inside a boat engine, and akin to drawing blood, and an engine oil sample analysis (OSA) can tell you a lot about the health of your boat's motor. While a single sample may not give you the whole story, an OSA creates a "baseline" that helps you look at your engine's health over time. That's why some mechanics and surveyors recommend taking one sample every year. But what does a typical oil sample analysis include and what does it tell a boat owner or buyer? BoatUS, the nation's... Full story
'Tis the season to head out on the water and if a boat, kayak or other personal watercraft was on your Christmas list this holiday season, and Santa agreed, the Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to make sure your inaugural voyage is a safe one. Whether you're planning to take a new watercraft out for some sightseeing or to do some fishing, all new and veteran watercraft users are encouraged to remember the following 10 tips to remain safe on the water: Always wear a life jacket. Life... Full story
Water that is mistakenly left in a boat's engine block to freeze over the winter is sure to become an expensive repair bill come springtime. As the ice expands, it can crack the block and ruin the motor, damage fiberglass, split hoses, or destroy a boat's refrigeration system. To prevent a mishap while putting the boat away this season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), a boating advocacy, services and safety group offers the free 15-page "Boater's Guide to Winterizing."... Full story