Boating
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Two adults and two children wearing life vests swim next to their power boat at Sweitzer Lake State Park.
Stay Safe on Colorado's Waters
Colorado's lakes and rivers are a beloved playground — but staying safe is essential. Before heading out, consider completing a boating safety course through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Colorado law requires all vessels — including kayaks and paddleboards — to carry a Coast Guard-approved, properly-sized life jacket for every person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one at all times. CPW Boating Safety Program Manager Grant Brown recommends everyone wear a life jacket on the water, regardless of age or experience: the data is clear that they save lives.
Weather and water conditions can shift fast. Watch for sudden strong gusts and remember that Colorado's water temperatures stay cold year-round. And always boat sober — alcohol is the leading factor in recreational boating fatalities.
For more information, visit CPW's resources.
Checklist
Boating in Colorado
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New Age Requirement for Operating a Boat in Colorado
As of June 1st, 2024, the operation of a motorboat, including a personal watercraft (PWC, jet ski, ski-doo), by a person who is less than 18 years of age is prohibited. A person who is at least 14 years of age but less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat if the person has completed a boating safety course approved by CPW and possesses a boating safety certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.
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Register Your Boat
Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Boats from other states may be operated in Colorado for up to 60 days with a current registration from the owner's state.
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Purchase an Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp
Motorized boats and sailboats must have an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp prior to launching in Colorado.
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Bring Life Jackets and Safety Equipment
Boaters should have proper safety equipment including life jackets before entering the water.
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Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat
Boaters can easily transport invasive species and are required by law to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boat, trailer and equipment every time they enter or exit any waters.
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Get a Mandatory Boat Inspection
All trailered and/or motorized boats require certified aquatic nuisance species (ans) boat inspections.
Colorado Waters
Colorado's Waters for boating range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs.
Summertime Drought Management
Water temperatures and stream flows can fluctuate during the summer months, creating adverse conditions for anglers, boaters, fish and other animals.
Lakes, ponds, and streams may be temporarily closed to the public if water storage levels or or stream flow drops below stable levels. A list of all low water or other drought related closures is available so visitors can make alternative plans.
Colorado Boating Brochures
Before heading out on Colorado's waters, be sure to learn or review the navigation and boating rules for a safe and rewarding boating trip.
Boating Handbook with Regulations and Statutes
View Brochure
Folleto de Regulacíon de Caza Mayor (En Español)
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Video: Kayakers like me? We're a pain in the ANS!
Help stop ANS
Kayakers like me? We're a pain in the ANS!
Once zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species establish themselves in a waterway, they are nearly impossible to remove. As a member of Colorado’s paddling community, your actions can help prevent further spread.
Know Before You Go
Review this short 2-page Boating Navigation document for a quick overview. For a complete list of navigation rules, review pages 14-19 of the Boating Handbook with Regulations and Statutes.
