Personal watercraft (PWC) have become a popular form of recreation on Colorado waters. PWC regulations have been established to keep our waterways safe and enjoyable. Be sure to follow these regulations:
Operation of a PWC from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited.
Operators and passengers of PWCs must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) of the appropriate size.
Emergency engine shut-off lanyards must be used if the vessel is equipped with them.
A three-person minimum PWC must be used for water skiing so that there is ample space for the operator, observer and person being towed; that way when the person is being transported to/from their area and if they get hired or hurt, no one will go over the manufacturers capacity limit, increasing the chances of capsizing, swamping or sinking.
Do not operate your PWC carelessly and recklessly by becoming airborne while crossing the wake of another vessel at an unsafe distance, unsafely weaving through traffic, or operating at such a speed and proximity to another vessel that the operator of either vessel must swerve or abruptly cut speed in order to avoid a collision.
Remember, you must be at least 16 years old to operate all motorboats, including PWCs. Fourteen- and 15- year- olds may operate a PWC if they complete a boating safety course accepted by Colorado State Parks. For more information, see the Boating Safety Courses page.