[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”ce4db8ec-b34b-42ae-b247-103d0a13f28d” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”1d9c0f5d-35f2-480d-b415-624f9e38b5a0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#030303″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs font_icon=”%%20%%” use_home_icon=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#030303″ body_font_size=”18px” link_text_color=”#030303″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” module_class_1=”sidebar” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” inner_width=”90%” inner_max_width=”1400px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Explore Section” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”14px” content_max_width=”100%” disabled_on=”off|off|on” module_class=”blurb-icon-right sidebar-toggle” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”c520cd6f-2a5a-44ab-ba51-0c6b314ff487″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”13px” header_line_height=”1.3em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”rgba(40,39,40,0.7)” body_font_size=”12px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#1D4784″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”145deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#1d4784 0%|#0585a5 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#1d4784″ background_color_gradient_end=”#0585a5″ max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” custom_padding=”12px|4px|12px|16px|true|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#dedede” icon_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_3″ module_class=”sofia-light nav-side” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#212121″ body_font_size=”15px” body_line_height=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-102px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-81px|-217px||||” custom_padding=”|116px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
LIFE JACKET FACTS<\/p>\n
![\"Life](\"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/Picture3-300x202.jpg\")
Most boaters know they are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for every person on their boat. State Parks recommends that all boaters and passengers always wear a life jacket while boating. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to put on a life jacket. The major cause of all boating related deaths is drowning\u2014and most drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.<\/p>\n
The good news is that today\u2019s life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight, and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Life jackets that use inflatable technologies are cool and comfortable. They may resemble a pair of suspenders or a belt pack. Many inflate automatically when immersed in water.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-82px|||||” custom_padding=”8px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Double check that your life jacket is approved for your favorite water activities. Read the label\u2014Some life jackets are NOT approved for:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n New Mexico offers a range of paddlesports opportunities, from adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting to mellow river floats. New Mexico\u2019s small mountain lakes are popular with paddlers all summer long. In fall the larger reservoirs become quieter, calmer, and less crowded.<\/p>\n Some canoeists and kayakers find paddling is an excellent way to fish or view wildlife. Others enjoy camping with their boats. And some have even been known to enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from the Rio Grande.<\/p>\n New Mexico\u2019s lakes and rivers require different skills, preparation, and safety equipment for paddlers.<\/strong> We recommend you take courses to learn the laws, emergency procedures, navigation rules, and paddling techniques\u2014all of which will enhance your paddling experience.<\/p>\n Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inner tubes, and any other watercraft capable of being used for transportation on the water are subject to state boating laws and regulations. You are urged to boat responsibly to prevent accidents, minimize impacts, and avoid conflicts with other boaters. The following guidelines will help you prepare before you head out on your paddling adventure.<\/p>\n Know the laws and keep yourself and others safe. Take a course to increase your knowledge of paddle sports safety, emergency procedures, and navigational rules. You can join workshops offered at local swimming pools and parks departments, community colleges, and military recreation centers. Group outings are organized by the American Canoe Association, the Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico, and various internet meetup groups. Many commercial outfitters and free online courses are also available<\/span>.<\/a><\/p>\n Make sure to always follow the life jacket guidance as laid out above.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Carry the essentials for safety, emergency communications, and comfort. At a minimum, state law requires you to carry and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, a paddle or oar, and a sound-producing device such as a whistle or horn\u2014even on a paddleboard.<\/p>\n In addition to items required by law, you should wear sun protection and bring a headlamp with extra batteries, first aid kit, knife, dry bag, hydrating fluids, and a throw rope. Remember that many lakes and rivers are in remote areas where cell phones do not always work. Other essentials depend on your vessel, the lake or river, and the length of trip and should be researched in advance.<\/p>\n Check the weather frequently before and during your trip, keeping an eye on current conditions. Check river flows and lake conditions, weather warnings, and forecasts. It is important to understand how these elements affect your ability to operate your vessel. Seek information from locals in the know, heed warnings, and avoid unsafe areas. Anticipate changes and go to shore when rough weather threatens.<\/p>\n Although New Mexico is a desert state, the water can be quite cold. Many lakes are fed by melting snow. Several rivers are located downstream of large dams that release cold water from deep below the lake\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n Always dress for the temperature of the water\u2014even on a hot day. The biggest risk after an accidental fall overboard is not hypothermia but cold-water shock. Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger the \u201cgasp\u201d reflex. When a person\u2019s head is underwater, the \u201cgasp\u201d reflex causes water to enter the lungs. Cold water shock is a major contributor to the death of New Mexico boaters who entered the water unprepared. Paddlecraft have a higher risk of capsizing and swamping. Be prepared and always wear a life jacket\u2014it is the law!<\/p>\n Paddlecraft sit low on the water, making them difficult for other boaters to see. Paddle to be seen: Wear bright neon and contrasting colors, put highly reflective tape on paddles, use a flagpole, and carry a bright light at night.<\/p>\n Study your intended route before you head out and let someone know your plans. Include names of everyone going, a description of your vessel, put-in and take-out locations and waypoints along with the approximate time the group should arrive at each, what time you are returning, and what to do if you do not return when expected. Estimate travel time generously. Make this a routine every time you go out on the water.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-102px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-16px|-537px||||” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Situational awareness is key to safety on the water. That means always staying alert. Operating any vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, is not only unsafe\u2014it is illegal. New Mexico\u2019s Boating Under the Influence (BUI) law applies to all vessels including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats, and inflatable fishing rafts.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-81px|-217px||||” custom_padding=”55px|116px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A paddle trip downriver can include these river hazards.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”485.2px” custom_margin=”-39px||-360px|41px||” custom_padding=”240px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0 Leasburg Diversion Dam, only 10 feet high, poses a danger to paddle craft operators. <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-97px|||||” custom_padding=”19px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you own paddle craft, keep your contact information in your boat, on a sticker, or in some other way. When unoccupied paddle craft are found adrift, it is assumed someone is in danger and a search is launched. Calling the owner can help prevent unnecessary searches and free up resources. The call could help rescuers gather information that helps with the search. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free identification stickers at its boating safety classes and at other boating events.<\/p>\n Check local colleges, parks and recreation departments, outdoor stores, and outfitters for upcoming clinics and pool sessions. Rangers at your local state park may know of privately-owned rental companies and outfitters that are familiar with local boating conditions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n New Mexico State Parks facilitates a statewide life jacket loaner program in partnership with the Boat U.S. Foundation<\/a><\/span>, the Sea Tow Foundation<\/a><\/span>, and federal and local government agencies.<\/p>\n When you go out boating and do not have a life jacket or find yours does not fit properly, you can visit a life jacket loaner station and borrow an infant, child, youth, or adult life jacket for the day or weekend\u2014at no charge. When finished, simply return the life jackets to the same station.<\/p>\n Life jacket loaner stations are located at various parks and recreation areas, marinas, and boat ramps.<\/p>\n Interactive map or list of loaner life jacket sites<\/span>.<\/a><\/p>\n Operation Dry Water is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. Learn more at Operation Dry Water<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n New Mexico State Parks rangers, New Mexico sheriffs, and New Mexico State Police officers have full authority to enforce New Mexico\u2019s boating laws and regulations. Some waters have additional equipment and operational restrictions. Before boating on a particular water, check with the local authorities for additional regulations.<\/p>\n To ensure safety on the water for you and others, it is important that boaters be familiar with the Boat Act<\/a><\/span>, the Boating While Intoxicated Act<\/a><\/span>, and regulations of Boating Operation and Safety<\/a><\/span>. Take the time to learn the laws and regulations for vessel length, capacity, required equipment, anchoring and mooring, prohibited operation, and traffic control.<\/p>\n New Mexico law prohibits anyone from operating under the influence of alcohol or any drug or other controlled substance. It is illegal to operate with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.<\/p>\n Safe navigation is the responsibility of all boaters. When a person operating a vessel meets, overtakes, or crosses another vessel\u2019s course, the operator shall take the appropriate action.<\/p>\n Every person who is towed behind a vessel on a tube, water skis, a wakeboard, or a similar object must<\/strong> wear<\/strong> a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device approved for the activity. New Mexico law states that the following dangerous practices are illegal:<\/p>\n In addition to carrying all required safety equipment, a motorboat<\/strong> operator who tows anyone behind his or her vessel must also have on board:<\/p>\n In addition to carrying all required safety equipment, a personal watercraft <\/strong>operator who tows anyone behind his or her vessel must also have on board:<\/p>\n It is illegal to:<\/p>\n Discharging or depositing liquid or solid waste into state waters is illegal. This includes oil and gray water. Polluters may be held civilly liable for cleanup costs and may be fined thousands of dollars. Visit the New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau<\/a><\/span> to learn more and to report a spill.<\/p>\n New Mexico law states that the following dangerous operating practices are illegal:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A boater who is involved in an accident must stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and assist injured people or anyone in danger, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers. The boater must give his or her name, address, and identification of the vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the accident.<\/span><\/p>\n The boater operating the vessel must immediately notify the local law enforcement agency that a boating accident has occurred. In some circumstances, he or she must also submit a written accident report to New Mexico State Parks within 48 hours.<\/p>\n The operator of a recreational vessel involved in an accident must submit an accident report (regardless of the number of boats involved) to New Mexico State Parks within 48 hours when:<\/p>\n Boat Operator Report Form<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Forms are also available from offices of state parks with lakes. Additionally, forms may be requested from, and completed forms may be mailed to:<\/p>\n New Mexico State Parks or email: nm.parks@emnrd.nm.gov<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Failure to comply with the above requirements is a petty misdemeanor punishable by a penalty up to $500. Pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 66-12-12, information from this report is confidential and will be used only by government agencies for statistical purposes. It may not be used as evidence in a civil or criminal trial.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n TITLE, REGISTRATION and RENEWAL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n To operate your vessel in New Mexico, you must have a registration card and validation decal if:<\/p>\n The registration card (certificate of number) must be carried on board whenever your vessel is used.<\/p>\n TITLE and REGISTRATION RULES<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Vessel registration and titling is handled by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department Motor Vehicle Division<\/a>. Vessels that require registration and are 10 feet or longer must also be titled. The application for title must submitted to the MVD within 30 days of sale. A penalty is assessed for late applications. Contact your local MVD office and ask for an employee who can process boat transactions. At some locations, this service may be available only during certain days or hours.<\/p>\n The registration fee is based on the length of the vessel. The registration period ends on December 31 of the third calendar year of registration.<\/p>\n BOATERS VISITING NEW MEXICO<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Boaters visiting New Mexico from another state may recreate on state waters for up to 90 days if the vessel is registered in another state or has current U.S. Coast Guard documentation. Once your boat has been in New Mexico for 90 consecutive days, you must either remove it from New Mexico or register it in this state.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n RENTAL AGENTS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n A motorboat may be rented for up to 30 days. New Mexico\u2019s mandatory boating education law requires businesses that rent motorboats to review the dockside safety checklist with each authorized operator. The checklist includes operating instructions and a summary of laws regarding the rental motorboat\u2019s safe operation. This includes:<\/p>\n Rental agents must review the contents of the checklist with each authorized operator to ensure every statement about operation and safety equipment is understood. The authorized operator must initial each item, sign, and keep the checklist onboard the rental motorboat. Boaters who do not carry the checklist aboard rented motorboats may be ticketed if stopped by a marine law enforcement officer.<\/p>\n RENTAL BOAT RESPONSIBILITY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Marine law enforcement officers may cite the operator and owner of a rental boat for violation of 18.17.2.10\u00a0NMAC<\/span><\/a>, which states that if a vessel does not contain the safety equipment required, then either the rental agent or the operator, or both, may be cited. Owners of rental vessels, non-motorized vessels, need to ensure that the boat is properly equipped with all legally required safety equipment before allowing it to enter the water.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n “Personal watercraft” (PWC) means a class A motorboat less than 16 feet, designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than the operator sitting or standing inside the vessel. Examples include Jet Ski<\/em>, Sea-Doo<\/em>, Wave Runner,<\/em> and similar devices.<\/p>\n For additional information or questions take a Boating Safety Course<\/a> or contact your local New Mexico state park lake and speak with a New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officer.<\/p>\n For your\u00a0personal watercraft (PWC)<\/strong> here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.<\/p>\n LEGALLY REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\nIT’S THE LAW<\/h3>\n
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ALL LIFE JACKETS MUST BE:<\/h3>\n
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MAKE SURE IT FITS<\/h3>\n
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WARNINGS<\/h3>\n
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PADDLESPORTS<\/h3>\n
BEFORE YOU GO<\/h4>\n
GET EDUCATED<\/h4>\n
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CARRY ESSENTIAL GEAR<\/h4>\n
CHECK AND UNDERSTAND THE WEATHER<\/h4>\n
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PROTECT AGAINST COLD WATER SHOCK<\/h4>\n
BE VISIBLE TO OTHER BOATERS<\/h4>\n
FILE A FLOAT PLAN<\/h4>\n
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AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS<\/h4>\n
WATCH FOR RIVER HAZARDS<\/h4>\n
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![\"Leasburg](\"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/Picture4-300x214.png\")
<\/p>\nLABEL YOUR PADDLECRAFT<\/h4>\n
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ON THE WATER<\/h4>\n
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RENTALS, INSTRUCTION, and LOCAL PRACTICE<\/h4>\n
SAFETY CAMPAIGNS<\/h4>\n
LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM<\/h5>\n
WHAT IS A LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM?<\/h5>\n
OPERATION DRY WATER<\/h5>\n
MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT<\/h3>\n
LOCAL REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT<\/h4>\n
REGULATIONS<\/h3>\n
KNOW THE LAW<\/h4>\n
ALCOHOL and DRUGS<\/h4>\n
NAVIGATING ON NEW MEXICO WATERS<\/h4>\n
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TUBING, WATERSKIING AND WAKEBOARDING<\/h4>\n
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ANCHORING AND MOORING<\/h4>\n
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PREVENT POLLUTION<\/h3>\n
PROHIBITED OPERATIONS<\/h3>\n
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BOAT ACCIDENT REPORTING<\/h4>\n
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Boating Safety Program
1220 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
888-667-2757<\/p>\nVESSEL REGISTRATION<\/h4>\n
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BOAT RENTALS<\/h4>\n
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REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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