The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and Hurricane City are partnering on the Life Jacket Blitz initiative to increase life jacket use and water safety at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks from Labor Day Weekend through September, combining public education, community outreach, and targeted enforcement.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges boaters and paddlers to wear life jackets and designate sober operators over Labor Day weekend. Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator, emphasizes that life jackets are the most effective way to reduce risk on the water. AZGFD officers will increase patrols to enforce boating safety laws.
Arkansas boaters and anglers are venturing onto lakes after dark to escape summer heat, but nighttime navigation requires proper preparation. Essential safety measures include U.S. Coast Guard-approved navigation lights, life jackets for children under 12, slow navigation in well-known channels, filing float plans, and maintaining hydration and proper fish care in warm water conditions.
Yamaha Marine Connected Boat Division announced an expanded partnership with Skipperi, a boat club platform enabling dealers to generate recurring revenue. The technology handles reservations, payments, and fleet management while dealers control customer relationships. The Boathouse Dealership/Marina on Hilton Head Island launched the pilot program in May 2024.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposes new rules for private docks in state-owned tidal waters under authority delegated to the Commissioner. Public comments are due by September 30, 2026, with the Board of Natural Resources considering the proposed rules on October 27, 2026.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit has appointed Scott Hersey as Pro Staff and Sponsorship Manager, managing Yamaha's professional angler programs and tournament sponsorships, including the Bassmaster Elite Tournament Series and Coastal Conservation Association STAR tournaments.
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area's last public boat ramp closed August 15 due to low water levels and mud hazards. Private launch services from Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina now provide primary lake access as drought conditions persist.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the death of Jeffrey Cox, 58, of Indianapolis, whose body was recovered from Monroe Reservoir near Bloomington. Cox went missing while boating and was found unresponsive without a personal flotation device. Conservation Officers remind the public to wear life jackets at all times on or near water.
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area's private boat launch services from Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina offer the best access as drought conditions lower water levels to 2006 levels. Park Superintendent Patrick Schnell recommends advance scheduling for launching and camping services while most recreation amenities remain available.
Yamaha Rightwaters donated a 150-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine to the Jetty Rock Foundation to support oyster restoration and marine research in New Jersey waters. The engine will power the foundation's new 28-foot Henriksel skiff, expanding conservation efforts and partnerships with NGOs, state agencies, and universities.
Yamaha Marine's "Summer Sunset" sales event runs August 3 through September 9, 2026, offering customers extended Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) coverage or dealer credits on select new four-stroke outboards. Eligible purchases in the 30-350 horsepower range receive two additional years of Y.E.S. coverage, while 2.5-25 horsepower models qualify for up to $300 in dealer credit.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides five essential water safety tips for summer boating, including avoiding peak sun hours, seeking shade, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated. The article emphasizes the dangers of sun exposure and alcohol while boating, and stresses the importance of wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Owl Creek Dam at Placid Lake began eroding and piping water this week, causing lower lake levels. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will remove the six-slip boat dock on July 29, though the boat ramp remains open. FWP is coordinating repairs with the dam owner and considering a temporary fish barrier to prevent non-native species from entering the lake.
The Richland Aces 4-H Club partnered with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to install a Life Jacket Loaner Station at Gartside Reservoir Fishing Access Site near Sidney. The youth-led project, supported by FWP staff Kylie Kembel and Garrett Jericoff, aims to improve water safety and has already seen community use.
Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and Division of Wildlife Resources technicians inspected 11,864 boats during Pioneer Day weekend to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading. DNR officers detected 33 violations, primarily for failing to complete the mussel-aware boater program course, pay aquatic invasive species fees, or remove drain plugs.
NorthWestern Energy will temporarily close a portion of the Missouri River in Great Falls beginning July 31 for critical upgrades to Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project. The closure affects all watercraft from downstream of Broadwater Bay Boat Ramp to Black Eagle Dam, including West Bank Park's kayak launch.
Michigan DNR conservation officers Jeff Panich, Jesse Grzechowski, Alex Bourgeois, Nico Luna, and Sgt. Jon Warner rescued four people from Lake Huron near Harrisville, including two sailboat occupants and a paddle boarder and kayaker who attempted to assist. All were safely brought to shore with no injuries reported.
Construction at the Cyr Bridge Fishing Access Site boat slide begins July 27, with daytime operations continuing and temporary evening closures Monday-Thursday. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will assist boaters as crews replace wood and stairs to maintain safe conditions for Alberton Gorge whitewater floaters.
Nebraska Game and Parks is preparing Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area for lower water levels by improving boat ramp access at Spillway Bay, Diver's Bay, and Martin Bay. Park superintendent Patrick Schnell notes the state's largest reservoir remains open for boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming with expanded beaches available.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has reopened the Moundville Public Boat Ramp after renovations that replaced and reoriented the launching slab. Funding came from the Sport Fish Restoration Program and Innovate Alabama.