Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Boating Accidents—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
• 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, another passenger or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must immediately notify the nearest state park ranger or other law enforcement officer if:

• A person dies or disappears
• A person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond basic first aid
• Damage to the vessel or other property exceeds $2,000.

The operator, owner, or other person onboard must submit a completed and signed Owner/Operator Boating Accident Report to Utah State Parks & Recreation within 10 days of the accident. Accident report forms are available from Utah State Parks & Recreation’s Administrative Office, a boating ranger, or by visiting www.stateparks.utah.gov on the Internet.

Operators of personal watercraft involved in accidents must provide evidence of the owner’s or operator’s required insurance. If unable to demonstrate compliance with the insurance requirements, the PWC’s registration may be revoked for up to one year.

Download a copy of the Utah Boating Accident Report in PDF format.