Boating adventures include whitewater rafting on Utah's rivers, waterskiing on glassy reflections of red rock at Lake Powell, trolling for trophy fish at Strawberry, or canoeing quiet, mountain lakes. With an ever-increasing demand on Utah's limited number of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, boaters must use their water recreation resources wisely.
Boaters have the responsibility to practice and advocate safe and ethical use of our waterways.
That responsibility includes properly registering boats, learning and obeying boating safety laws and rules, and sharing waterways with other boaters, swimmers, and anglers. Utah's Boating Program aims to educate boaters about laws and rules to protect public safety and natural resources. These efforts are funded by a portion of boat registration fees, a state tax on gasoline used in motorboats, and through federal boating safety grants. This brochure, Highlights from Utah's Boating Laws and Rules, outlines the basic responsibilities of Utah's boaters. For a complete booklet, contact Utah State Parks and Recreation.