April 29, 2025
NEWS RELEASE
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) life jacket exchange program will begin a statewide campaign in May to ensure everyone in Arizona is safe on the water this summer.
AZGFD is holding life jacket exchange events at numerous locations throughout the state on the following dates:
- May 15-16: Rotary Park, Bullhead City, 9 a.m. – 11a.m.
- May 17: London Bridge Beach, Lake Havasu City, 10 a.m. – noon
- May 17: La Paz County Sheriffs Boating Safety Building, 8484 Riverside Dr., Parker, 9 a.m. – noon
- May 17: Fishers Landing, Martinez Lake, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- May 17: 10 Lane ramp, Lake Pleasant, 8 a.m. – noon
- May 17: Saguaro Lake, 8 a.m. – noon
- May 17: Canyon Lake, 8 a.m. – noon
- May 17: Tempe Town Lake, 8 a.m. – noon
- May 24: Patagonia Lake, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
During the exchanges, people with old, worn out and less-effective life jackets can swap them for a new one, while supplies last. Please note that horse collar and off-shore style life jackets will not be accepted.
Before heading out on the water, it’s important that boaters check to ensure that their life jackets are in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for passengers. When inspecting life jackets, look for any rips or tears, missing straps, broken fasteners, and ensure that the flotation has not shifted. Based on observations from AZGFD’s boating education program, life jackets should be inspected each boating season due to the environment’s impact on their materials.
State law requires all passengers 12 and younger to wear a life jacket while on board and each passenger must have a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available.
A majority of the recreational boating fatalities were individuals who drowned and were not wearing a life jacket — it is the most important piece of safety gear one can wear, whether on a boat, personal watercraft or paddlecraft.
“Life jackets save lives,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD’s boating safety education coordinator. “The exchange events are an amazing opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to make sure they have a life jacket that fits correctly and is in good condition.”
For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.