It starts with you
Safe Boating
on the colorado river
Play it Safe
Bullhead City is a popular water destination, attracting visitors from near and far to enjoy the beautiful Colorado River. While the river offers plenty of fun, it is also a narrow and congested waterway. Safety must always come first.
We urge everyone to:
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket
- Operate watercraft sober
- Keep a safe distance from others
- Slow down and pay attention
Know your vessel and rules of the waterway!
Stay Safe on the Colorado River
Our Boating and Beach Patrol Officers, along with Water Rescue & Safety lifeguards, frequently see unsafe behaviors that cause accidents. Please review these important rules before heading out:
Swim Areas
City park beaches are crowded with swimmers who can be difficult to see from a watercraft. For everyone’s safety:
- No watercraft, including jet skis, are allowed in swim areas.
- Violators of the “Controlled Use Swim Area” law will be cited.
- Signs clearly mark these zones.
- If you want to beach your watercraft, please choose a different location away from designated swim areas.
No-Wake Zones
Pay attention to posted signs. Slow to idle speed in no-wake zones, just as you would in a school zone.
Towing Tubers – Observer & Flag
When towing a tuber:
- Use a three-person watercraft (room for the operator, observer, and tuber).
- An observer must sit on the back, watching the tuber at all times.
- The observer must raise an orange flag when the tuber is in the water to alert other boaters.
Proximity Law
Keep at least 60 feet between watercraft. Splashing or playing too close can easily cause collisions. Stay aware and give others space.
Life Jacket Requirements
- All boats must have a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board.
- Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket.
- Everyone riding a jet ski or personal watercraft must wear a secured, properly fitted life jacket.
don't wreck your weekend
Photo Gallery
The Bullhead City Police and Fire Departments, Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, and the City of Bullhead City partner every summer for the Don’t Wreck Your Weekend campaign, reminding boaters to put safety first.
