SAGUARO LAKE, AZ (AZFamily) Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol deputies were out in force on Saguaro Lake Saturday, conducting safety inspections and educating boaters as crowds gathered for July Fourth celebrations.
No boating education required in Arizona
Arizona is one of a few states that do not require boaters to complete a safety course before operating a watercraft.
Sgt. Rob Marske with MCSO lake patrol said every boater involved in a fatal crash in Maricopa County had no formal boating education.
“Quite honestly, something bad hasn’t happened to the right person yet for it to happen,” Marske said. “That’s usually what it takes. I hope it doesn’t get to that point. I want us to be proactive.”
What deputies look for on the water
During patrols, deputies monitored for reckless watercraft operation and ensured boaters were keeping to the right along the shoreline and traveling in a clockwise traffic pattern…