It's the Law: On the Water
Boating Accidents and Casualties
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.
Vessel operators involved in an accident must report the accident
to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
- The operator must report the accident in writing to IDNR
within 48 hours of the occurrence in cases that result in
death, disappearance, or personal injuries requiring medical
treatment.
- The operator must report the accident in writing to IDNR
within five days if damage to the vessel and/or other property exceeds
$2,000.
Accidents should be reported on accident report forms available
from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Report forms are
available online on IDNR’s
website.

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