LAS VEGAS— “Go Boating Safely!” is the new theme for Colorado River’s Annual Tri-State Boating Safety Fair. The event will take place May 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at London Bridge Beach Park, 1340 McCulloch Rd in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Many beautiful lakes in Arizona, California and Nevada offer a variety of boating opportunities, but none of them are more popular than the 233-mile long and beautiful Colorado River. “The river feeds into several massive lakes and runs through three states, so we will be there to clarify both the fun boating opportunities and the safety challenges we see with a waterway this large and complex. We will also be distributing boating safety bags filled with promotional material and information on boating laws at 27 different boat launch ramps to make sure we reach the most boaters,” said Raynor T. Tsuneyoshi, California’s Boating Law Administrator.

This sixth annual fun-filled family affair will kick-off National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) by state, local and federal boating agencies that want to encourage boaters to hit the water this summer, but safely and responsibly.

Organizers will be talking about challenges that boaters face while boating on the Colorado River and about general boating safety. Families will be given the opportunity to bring in one outgrown or unsafe life jacket to trade in for a brand new one from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (while supplies last).

“This year, the lakes are full to the brim and we want people to go out on the water and enjoy the experience, but we also want them to be safe and make good decisions,” said Kevin Bergersen, Arizona’s Boating Law Administrator. “Most of us know that life jackets and designating a sober captain saves lives, but expecting the unexpected and using good judgment are key factors in returning home safely. We want this event to provoke that kind of awareness and thinking.”

Boating officials will also be informing boaters about “clean, drain and dry,” an effective procedure for combating and preventing the rapidly spreading nuisance of quagga mussels. This nasty invasive species continues to pose a serious threat to fun, safe and environmentally friendly boating. “Quagga mussels are a growing concern as they take over more of the Colorado River System,” said Fred Messmann, Nevada’s Boating Law Administrator. He said experts will be on hand to demonstrate cleaning techniques, explain the issue and provide clarification to boaters with questions.

The Tri-State Boating Safety Fair is free and the public is encouraged to stay the entire day to picnic, swim, fish and partake in the action. Visit www.BoatColoradoRiver.com for more information about the boating safety fair. Information on common boating laws and each state’s requirements on the Colorado River can also be viewed on this Web site.

Dinghy Digest ®