By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of boating season in Arizona, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department is urging everyone heading to the lake to make safety the priority—starting with a properly fitting life jacket for every person on board.
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Wildlife Manager Elliot Prokop says life jackets are required for all vessels, including kayaks and paddleboards, and should be in good condition and the right size—especially for kids.
He also reminds boaters that if your boat is 16 feet or longer, you must carry a throwable flotation device (like a square cushion). Boats with gasoline motors also need a fire extinguisher.
Before launching, Game and Fish recommends a quick safety checklist: check the weather forecast, top off fuel, look for leaks, test running lights and electrical systems, and make sure there’s no damage on board. In case of an emergency, officials say to pack essentials such as a first-aid kit, emergency bailing device, flashlight, paddles, drinking water, and signaling flags.
Officials also warn that impaired operation on the water can carry serious consequences. Prokop says you can be arrested for boating under the influence, facing penalties similar to driving a car.
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To help boaters gear up safely, Arizona Game and Fish is hosting a free life jacket exchange at Patagonia Lake Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while supplies last. People can bring in older, worn-out life jackets and exchange them for eligible replacements. Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted; only ski-type life jackets are eligible for exchange.
According to the latest U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating statistics (2024), in cases where the cause of death was known, 87% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.
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