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Bullhead City reiterates ordinance, safety rules for rental personal watercraft
Summary
City videos and a recorded announcement say operators of rented personal watercraft must watch a safety video, sign a consumer protection form and wear a wristband; Bullhead City Police Chief Robert Treves and lifeguards emphasize safety, no‑wake areas and checking Davis Dam release schedules.
Per a recorded city announcement, Bullhead City requires that all operators of rented personal watercraft (PWCs) wear wristbands indicating they have watched the full safety video and signed a consumer protection form before operating a rented craft. The announcement said failure to comply “may result in fines or other penalties.”
Chief Robert Treves of the Bullhead City Police Department told viewers that thousands of people visit the Colorado River each summer and that “many of these accidents can be avoided by learning and practicing simple boating safety rules.” He and the recorded material stressed that PWCs are “not toys” and noted specific legal and safety requirements: maintain at least 60 feet between watercraft when traveling above wakeless speed, avoid jumping wakes, keep the shore to your right in the counterclockwise traffic pattern, and yield appropriately when approaching other vessels.
The safety messages highlight areas where riders must slow or stop: community park launch areas, marinas and several no‑wake zones along the river. The recorded announcement and Treves also warned that some river areas are closed to all watercraft, including the swim beach at Community Park and a section just south of Davis Dam marked by a bright orange barrier.
The city noted lifeguards in neon yellow uniforms patrol the river on PWCs and have authority to issue commands and warnings. The videos advise wearing eye protection, gloves and shoes; fastening the PWC lanyard to the wrist or life jacket so the engine stops if the operator falls off; and ensuring every person aboard wears a correctly fitted life jacket.
The materials also explain river conditions that affect safety. They advise operators to check Davis Dam release information (the US Bureau of Reclamation posts the schedule online) because changes in releases alter depth and current strength. The city cautioned that swift currents and shallow, darker‑colored water make handling more difficult and increase the risk of overturning.
The city encouraged additional training — including online boating safety courses or demonstrations by rental companies — and reminded the public that boating while intoxicated is illegal and carries fines or jail time similar to a road DUI. The recorded presentation closed by urging continued education and safe operation.
Ending: The announcements and the police chief’s remarks serve as reminders for seasonal visitors and local operators that complying with the city’s consumer‑protection steps and basic safety practices is required and intended to reduce accidents on the Colorado River.
