BOATING ACCIDENTS

• It is the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in an accident, if he can do so without seriously endangering his own vessel, crew, or passengers, to render aid to those affected by the accident as may be practicable.
• The operator shall also give his name, address, and identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured or to the owner of any property damaged in the accident.
• The operator shall immediately, and by the quickest means of communication available, notify the nearest state park ranger or other law enforcement officer of an accident that involves a vessel or its equipment when one of the following occurs: a person dies or disappears from a vessel under circumstances that indicate death; a person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond first aid; or combined property damage is in excess of $2000.00.

The owner or operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident must submit a completed and signed boating accident report to Utah State Parks and Recreation within 10 days. This must be done in addition to, and separately from, an accident report performed by an investigating law enforcement officer.

• Boating accident report forms are available from Utah State Parks and Recreation, any boating ranger, or by visiting www.stateparks.utah.gov on the Internet. Information in accident reports is confidential.