Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Boating Accidents & Casualties—What the Law Requires You to Do

An operator involved in a boating accident must:

• Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and …
• Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers and …
• Give, in writing, his or her name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to the owner of any property damaged by the accident.

A vessel operator involved in a boating accident must report the accident to Colorado State Parks within five days after the date of the accident if the accident caused:

• Loss of life or disappearance from a vessel or …
• An injury which required medical treatment beyond first aid or …
• Damage to the vessel(s) or other property exceeding $500.

Accidents should be reported on accident report forms available from Colorado State Parks. All reports must be submitted to:

Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Colorado State Parks
13787 South Highway 85
Littleton, Colorado 80125

Failure to report a boating accident is a misdemeanor.

The complete 8-page Boating Accident Report Form can be downloaded by going to the Colorado State Parks website.