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Bullhead City reiterates personal watercraft safety rules, rental wristband requirement
Summary
City officials and Bullhead City Police emphasized safety rules for personal watercraft (PWC), highlighted lifeguard authority on the river and cited a city ordinance requiring wristbands for rented PWCs and a signed consumer protection form.
Bullhead City officials and the Bullhead City Police Department urged personal watercraft (PWC) operators to follow river safety rules, avoid dangerous maneuvers and comply with a city ordinance that requires wristbands for rented PWCs.
Chief Robert Trebes said the city produces a safety video and noted that "All riders are legally required to operate their PWC in a responsible manner." The video and announcements list specific safety rules: maintain at least 60 feet between watercraft when traveling above a wakeless speed; avoid crisscrossing or blocking another boat’s view; keep the traffic pattern counterclockwise (shore to your right); and obey no-wake zones, including areas near marinas and boat launches.
City announcements identify the Swim Beach at Community Park as a swimmer-only area marked by buoys and said the area of the Colorado River just south of Davis Dam is blocked off by a bright orange barrier. The city also advised that lifeguards in neon yellow uniforms patrol the river and "have the authority to issue commands and warnings to members of the public to keep everyone safe."
A city ordinance referenced in the public announcement requires that operators of rented PWCs wear wristbands showing they have watched the safety video and signed a consumer protection form; failure to do so "may result in fines or other penalties," the announcement said. The transcript does not include the ordinance number or the specific penalty amounts.
The city reminded operators that PWCs have no brakes and no off‑throttle steering; that all riders must wear properly fitted life jackets; and that rental companies should provide equipment orientation. The announcement also advised operators to consult the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website for the current Davis Dam release schedule, because releases affect river depth and navigation safety.
