Just in time for summer, Arizona's average yearly ranking as having the fifth highest boating accidents and seventh highest boating injuries in the U.S. made the news again. For a state that has so much natural beauty, this is an ugly truth. So, has the time come to raise Arizona's boating safety awareness?

As reported by various Arizona government agencies during 2008, there were 197 watercraft-related accidents, 124 injuries and 6 fatalities from activities taking place in Arizona lakes and rivers. There were 278 vessels involved in these incidents. Besides the warm weather that abounds and allows people to enjoy year-round boating, there are other factors that contribute to accidents and injuries on the water.

According to an article that appeared in the Arizona Wildlife Views magazine in 2008, the top five causes of boating accidents in Arizona are:

  • Operator inexperience
  • Operator inattention
  • Passenger/skier behavior
  • Weather
  • Equipment Failure

In addition, the article cites reckless boat operation, failure to yield to other watercraft, congested waterways, hazardous water conditions, excessive speed, alcohol abuse and overloading boats as contributing factors to boating accidents and injuries in Arizona.

Currently, Arizona does not require boaters to take a safety course prior to operating a boat or other watercraft. However, the state's Game and Fish Department encourages it on its website, stating that, "Educated boaters are 70 percent less likely to be involved in a boating accident." Boating safety classes are offered all over the state and online, so it is a good option to ensure the safety of boating passengers.

Arizona Senator Linda Gray was working on a bill that mandated all ticketed boaters attend a boating safety education course, but she postponed introducing it because of state budgetary constraints. If this law were enacted it would be a great first step to promoting safer use of watercrafts in Arizona.

Now is as good a time as any, so it is time for boaters, law enforcement officials, state Game and Fish Department regulators and legislators to get on the same page with requiring boat owners or operators to pass a boating safety course before hitting any Arizona waterways.

If you or a loved one is involved in a boating or other watercraft accident on an Arizona waterway, contact a local personal injury attorney to explore your legal options. You deserve the right to safely navigate the pristine lakes and rivers in Arizona, so holding those negligent operators responsible for causing accidents or injuries on the water is an important responsibility.