It's the Law: On the Water

Boating Accidents (66-12-12 NMSA 1978; BAR 12)

A vessel 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.

The operator also must:

• Report the accident immediately to the local law enforcement agency and…
• File a New Mexico Boating Accident Report with the State Parks Division within 48 hours of the accident if it caused:
  • Death or personal injury that required more than standard first aid or…
  • Disappearance of any person under circumstances that indicate the possibility of death or injury or…
  • Damage to the vessel(s) or other property exceeding $100.

Reporting an Accident

Accident report forms are available from the address below or from the office of any state park with a lake. Accident report forms must be sent to:

New Mexico State Parks Division
P.O. Box 1147
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1147

Call 1-888-667-2757 for more information on how to report an accident.