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.
Never ski:
• Around bends
• In the
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
• Within speed limit buoys
• Restricted areas marked by buoys
• When there is lightning
California laws:
Display water-ski flag for
• Skier in the water
• Ski line in the water
• Ski in the water
Skiing between sunset and sunrise is illegal.
Skier must wear approved life jacket.
Arizona
laws:
Observer must display red or
orange, water-ski flag (at least 12 x 12 inches and mounted on a
handle) for skier in the water
Skier must wear a life-saving device.