New Mexico State Parks
Welcome to New Mexico’s Waterways

Thank you for your interest in boating safety! The New Mexico State Parks Division is pleased to provide you with Boat New Mexico. This comprehensive manual covers the basics of safe boating and is endorsed by the experts at the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

State Parks and other locations provide outstanding recreational boating opportunities throughout New Mexico. From Elephant Butte Lake’s sandy beaches to Navajo Lake’s pine mountain shores, the beautiful waters of the “Land of Enchantment” beckon—offering exciting and memorable experiences for you, your family, and your friends.

The goal of the State Parks Division, which administers boating laws in New Mexico, is zero boating-related injuries and fatalities each year. Unfortunately, the tragedy that often surrounds boating accidents points to the need for better educated boat operators. In fact, in the majority of states in the U.S., including New Mexico, some form of boating safety education is now mandatory in order to be an operator.

Whether you own a boat in New Mexico, boat with friends, rent a boat, or plan to purchase a boat, Boat New Mexico will help ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience. This manual is designed for use as a textbook in the classroom with the State Parks Division's formal eight-hour Boating Basics class. It also may be used as a stand-alone home-study course as you prepare for a proctored exam or as an accompaniment to an online boating safety course. If you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you must pass one of these types of accredited boating safety courses in order to operate a motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft in New Mexico.

Marine enforcement officers at New Mexico State Parks and in our Santa Fe headquarters are available to answer any questions that you may have. State Parks staff is also available to teach boating safety classes and make group presentations in your community.

This manual, and any boating safety course you might take, however, are just a first step. You should practice the boating skills that you learn, share what you know with others, and periodically refresh and advance your knowledge. If you wish to improve your skills, groups such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offer additional courses. For more information on boating safety, or to check boating conditions at state parks, contact New Mexico State Parks, or visit our website - New Mexico State Parks website.

Thanks again for making a personal commitment to improve your boating safety skills. And remember: Boat Smart and Safe in New Mexico!

Sincerely,
David J. Simon
Director, New Mexico State Parks

Download a New Mexico State Parks Regional Map