Issue Overview

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to provide a basic understanding of the issue by factually describing the issue, its scope, and dimensions.

Counties may contain reservoirs or lakes that provide boating opportunities for local residents and external visitors. The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) serves as the state's boating authority. As such, it can assist with many of the boating-related issues a county may face.

Options & Trade-Offs

The county will work with local law enforcement, State Parks and other applicable entities to ensure that boaters are afforded a safe experience. The primary goal should be to minimize the number of accidents and personal injury occurring on lakes or applicable waterways. This will reduce the workload on local law enforcement and search and rescue personnel. State Parks is willing to assist counties in law enforcement training, boater education, and permitting to help counties achieve the relevant goals identified by the county.

Boat Accident Reporting: State Parks is mandated to collect and report statistics on all boating or watercraft-related accidents or incidents that occur throughout the state. The Division performs this function to monitor trends and take appropriate actions to ensure safety. State Parks can provide this information to interested counties.

Potential for Conflict

Interpretation of State Boating Laws : State Parks is responsible for interpretation of Utah 's enacted legislation relating to boating. State Parks has mandated responsibilities in the areas of boating law enforcement, boater education and safety programs, and boat registration. Counties should consider coordinating emerging issues or concerns related to state boating laws with State Parks.

Range of Alternatives

Have you seen examples of existing plans that are effective for this?

top

Existing Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the existing condition.

Data Review

Are there any studies, maps, photos, etc. that help describe the situation?

Items to Consider

The degree of county involvement is dependent on the number of boating opportunities existing within the county. State Parks works closely with counties in the areas of boating safety and law enforcement.

Boilerplate Language

Research compiled by State Parks shows that, on average, boaters have higher than average annual median household incomes, travel in large group sizes and often spend more money than non-boating visitors in the area during their stay. Consequently, counties containing opportunities for boaters and watercraft users may realize benefits from these activities. The county should likewise explore means of expanding existing boating opportunities to more fully realize these benefits.

top

Desired Future Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the improvements and changes that need to be made to the existing condition in order to achieve the desired future condition. It also provides the basis for the development of policy statements that support the desired future condition.

Range of Alternatives

Boater/Watercraft Education: State Parks administers several boater education and vessel operator/river guide permitting programs throughout the state. These include: Personal Watercraft (PWC) education and certification for youth (ages 12 through 17); Vessel Operator permits issued to operators transporting individuals for hire on lakes; and River Guide permits issued to operators transporting individuals for hire on navigable rivers. State Parks can coordinate with counties to facilitate relevant boater education and permitting concerns.

Permitting of Marine Events: State Parks issues permits for marine events – boat races, watercraft events, or related activities – on designated state waters. Counties may consult with State Parks if marine events arise as a planning issue.

Zoned Water Use: Zoning may often be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience among water-based recreation users on waterways throughout the state. State Parks will often consult with its Boating Advisory Council, user groups and local government to minimize potential water-based recreation conflicts and enhance safety. The Boating Advisory Council often recommends zoning to designate appropriate use for motorized boating, non-motorized boating, and restricted areas to enhance user safety and prevent damage to waterworks structures. The council also provides guidance on placement of navigational aids to ensure boating safety. These recommendations are considered and may be adopted as policy by the Utah State Parks Board. Counties dealing with such issues in a planning process should contact State Parks for assistance.

Boating Officer Training: State Parks is available to provide training and assistance to local governments on boating/watercraft safety and law enforcement issues. The Division is also capable of providing training and assistance for local search and rescue efforts.

Boilerplate Language

We also need to link this to the “items to consider” list. Can you site examples of a desired future condition?

top

Policy and Position Statements

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate policy statement language that will support the desired future conditions. A range of possible conditions is provided here.

Boilerplate Language

Are there sample position statements that local officials can use in their own plans?

top

Goals, Objectives, and/or Action Items

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate examples of the types of improvements or changes that typically would be needed to reach the desired future condition. “Goal” is the desired condition. “Objectives” are improvements or changes that need to be made to reach the goal. “Action Items” are specific actions that can be taken in order to achieve the objective.

Goal & Objectives

Counties, State Parks, local law enforcement and other applicable entities must work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters and personal watercraft users. While promotion of economic benefits from boating should be a primary goal for the counties, interagency coordination and cooperation is necessary to provide for a safe and enjoyable boater/watercraft user experience.

Are there sample goals/objectives that local officials can use in their own plans?

Desired future condition, improvements, and specific actions to be taken…

top

Monitoring Methods and Mechanisms

The purpose of this section is to provide suggested techniques and methods for monitoring progress towards the desired condition.

What methods can be used to evaluate the actions suggested?

top

Sources and Resources to Assist

This section is intended to be a reference guide to help locate any sources of assistance.

Utah State Parks and Recreation

• Boating Section or State Park Staffs throughout the state. Contact Dave Harris, State Boating Coordinator, (801) 538-7341, P.O. Box 146001, 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6001
  http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/boating/

top