In honor of National Safe Boating Week, we’re sharing tips and activities to enhance safety in and around Lake Pleasant and Scorpion Bay in Peoria Arizona. Before getting on the water, make sure you have basic knowledge of boating terminology, how to operate your boat safely, legal requirements, and what to do in case of an emergency.

A few boating safety tips:

1. Appoint a Boat Captain: Before going out on the water, choose someone to act as the head of the party. The captain will keep an ongoing headcount during the day to ensure everyone is safe and makes it home at the end of the day. The captain should also avoid alcohol to remain alert.

2. Wear Lifejackets: When children arrive at the Scorpion Bay dock, immediately put a lifejacket on them. State and federal law requires children 13 and under to wear a well-fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when they are onboard any boat; all others must have a life jacket readily accessible. It’s important to note that all people on personal watercraft or being towed by a boat must wear a life jacket regardless of their age. Be sure to have enough life jackets in your watercraft for everyone on board. Even strong swimmers and adults can easily become fatigued in the hot sun.

3. Do Not Swim Alone: Use the buddy system around water. Make sure everyone has a buddy to keep their eye on throughout the day—swimming alone is unsafe, even for adults. Never leave young children unattended near water and never ask a child to watch another child near water. If a child goes missing, always check the water first.

4. Keep Hydrated: Keep hydrated! Banner Health suggests drinking eight to 10 eight-oz. glasses of water during extreme heat, low humidity or activity even if you’re not thirsty and to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Protect your skin with sunscreen and protective attire—including hats and sun glasses— along with reducing activity during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. are all parts of staying hydrated. Be sure to learn the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses.

5. Drink Alcohol Responsibly: Those who choose to imbibe alcohol should do so responsibly. Be sure to keep hydrated with water even when not thirsty and never operate a boat or any other watercraft while intoxicated. 

6. Observe the Weather: Lake Pleasant weather conditions can change quickly. If there is any chance of inclement weather, be sure to be up-to-date on forecasts at the National Weather Service site. Any visitors on land should stay out of the washes. According to the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department, even if a wash is currently dry, rushing water could potentially be unexpectedly headed to them at any time. Also, if you are on a watercraft, make sure to make your way to the docks before weather conditions become dangerous. Overcrowded docks can prevent visitors from being able to get their watercraft out of the water safely. 

Upcoming Events to Enhance Safety: 

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation will provide important safety information when they host these events: 

• Water and Trail Safety event at the Government Dock at Lake Pleasant on May 22, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• Arizona Boater Education Course – April 13, 2025 – 1 pm – 5:30 pm - https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/arizona-boater-education-course/0413251/

Additional Maricopa County Parks events at Lake Pleasant taking place the next few months:

• Earth Day Clean Up – April 19, 2025 – 8 am – 11 am - https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/lake-pleasant---earth-day-clean-up04192025/
• Ripple Effect: Land & Lake Cleanup – May 31, 2025 – 9 am – 11 am - https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/ripple-effect-land--lake-cleanup05312025/

Lake Pleasant and Scorpion Bay offer something for everyone. Remember, safety comes first, so always wear your life jacket and follow local regulations. Good luck and tight lines!

Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for carefree lifestyles. Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/

Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/