Boating on Lake Havasu

Who's in charge on Lake Havasu?

        Lake Havasu’s unique locale poses some interesting jurisdiction questions. This federal water way is located on the border of Arizona and California, with some of its shores located on the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation.  There are differences between California and Arizona boating laws, such as the minimum driving age.  While it’s okay for a twelve-year old to be driving watercraft in Arizona, it’s illegal in California. 
      So the question is; who’s in charge?
     Six government agencies have authority over the boaters on Lake Havasu.  Seven, if you count the Chemehuevi government, whose jurisdiction extends only to the reservation shoreline. The Lake Havasu City police department has jurisdiction over the Bridgewater Channel.  The San Bernardino County Sheriff, Mohave County Sheriff, Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona State Parks, and the U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction over the lake. The Bureau of Land Management also has federal jurisdiction, and shows a presence on Lake Havasu.
      Mohave County Sheriff and the San Bernardino County Sheriff offices have a mutual agreement that allows either party to enter within 25 miles of the other state’s border to give legal assistance. Yet, since the state laws differ, whose law should Havasu boaters follow? 
       According to one official at the Mohave County Sheriff’s office, each state follows its own laws.  But, if the twelve-year old on the jet ski has Arizona stickers, and is a resident of Arizona, the California sheriffs tend to leave them alone.  But if you’re not at least sixteen, and riding a California stickered watercraft, you may find yourself in trouble with the California sheriffs.
       Is it possible a twelve-year old watercraft pilot with Arizona stickers might find themselves in conflict with California officials on Lake Havasu?  It is a definite grey area.