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 ...
  • Render aid to other persons affected by the accident and ...
  • Give, in writing, his or her name, address, and vessel identification to the other vessel's operator and/or passengers.
• The operator or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must notify immediately, by the quickest means possible, the sheriff of the county in which the accident took place if any of the following occur:
  • A person dies or disappears or ...
  • A person is injured or ...
  • Damage to the vessel and other property exceeds $500.
• Written reports of accidents involving only property damage must be made within 10 days of the accident. However, you must file an accident report within 48 hours in cases involving a death, disappearance, or injury.
• Boating accident report forms can be found at any sheriff's department office or by calling the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208-334-4199.