CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding people hoping to take their boats out on the water for the up-coming Fourth of July holiday weekend to ensure they have registered their watercraft.
Game and Fish said on June 15 that many boaters wait to register motorized watercraft until the last minute.
“We want to get you on the water, so registering your watercraft early can make sure there is time to fix any issues,” said Jennifer Doering, Wyoming Game and Fish Department license section manager. “Game and Fish offices are closed on Friday, July 3 to observe the holiday and will not be able to register watercraft or conduct AIS inspections on that day.”
In order to enjoy Wyoming waters, boaters need current watercraft registrations and aquatic invasive species decals. They also need aquatic invasive species inspections and safety equipment.
“All motorized watercraft operating on Wyoming waters are required to have a current watercraft registration and AIS decal,” Game and Fish explained. “Non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks just need an AIS decal, regardless if a resident or nonresident. How to register a watercraft depends on if it is a first-time registration or a renewal.“
“All watercraft owners may register or renew the registration via mail, as long as the proper paperwork and registration fees are included; allow several weeks for processing and mailing. If a watercraft is currently registered in Wyoming, a renewal can be easily completed online, at the Cheyenne Headquarters or at any regional office.“
People who register online should keep the receipt as proof of registration until the official registration and decals are received, which takes about 10 days.
“All boaters are also required to undergo an AIS inspection from March 1 through Nov. 30 by an authorized inspector prior to launching in Wyoming’s waters,” Game and Fish said. “Any boat that has been in zebra/quagga mussel-infested water in the past 30 days is required to undergo an inspection prior to launching anytime of year.”
People with boats must also stop at open check stations when traveling to Wyoming’s water bodies, even if they have already been inspected or don’t plan to actually get on the water, according to Game and Fish AIS coordinator Josh Leonard.
“The fishing and boating section on the Game and Fish website has detailed information about AIS, check station locations and the 2020 Wyoming AIS Boater Appreciation Raffle boaters can enter after they get their boat inspected,” the department adds.
Game and Fish also remind people to conduct safety preparations which includes packing life jackets. Children 12 and under are required to wear life jackets when on boats, unless they are in an enclosed area. Life jackets are also required for anyone on personal watercraft like jet skis and are required for anyone being towed by a boat.
The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and properly fit the person.
“Life jackets save lives — U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2018, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets,” said Aaron Kerr, Game and Fish watercraft safety program coordinator.
Full safety requirements can be found online: Wyoming Watercraft Regulations.
Game and Fish also remind people to follow COVID-19 safety precautions.
“All boaters are responsible for complying with all state and local health orders as well as encouraged to practice social distancing and good hygiene while traveling and on the water,” the department said.
This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.
