NOTICE FROM BEAR LAKE COUNTY ASSESSORS OFFICE

Idaho State Parks and Recreation have still not given any county vendors access to their new registration system. In order to register an ATV, UTV, Boat, or Dirt Bike you will need to call or go online. The information is below:

Life Jackets

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2019, and that 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

IDPR recommends that all boat operators and passengers wear life jackets to prevent drowning.  National Safe Boating Week is also a good time to remind parents about Idaho’s life jacket law for kids – all kids 14 years and younger are required to wear a life jacket on a boat 19 feet or less when underway.  This law applies to paddle craft like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards as well as motorized vessels.

Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division

The Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division was established to promote safe boating through boater education and marine patrols. The marine division is also called upon for water rescue, boating accident investigation and rescue and recovery diving.

Regular patrol and investigations deputies are trained as Marine deputies at the Idaho Marine Deputy Academy and many hours of local in-service training. Marine Deputies inspect boats for safety and required equipment, enforce state and local boating laws and enforce Idaho’s Operator Under The Influence (OUL) laws, and tow boats to safety when found dead in the water. Dive Rescue Certified Master SCUBA divers assigned to the dive team are called upon for a variety of tasks. They investigate boating accidents, recover stolen property, recover submerged vehicles, and search for victims of water accidents.

Deputies trained by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation teach the Idaho Boating Basics class free to the public several times a year. Students in the classes learn rules of the road for boats, federal and state equipment requirements, boating accident reporting procedures and other topics that help them be safer on the water.

Recreation Registration Sticker, Permit and Certificate Sales

To request a boat inspection please use our Request Boat Inspection Form

To request a Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification please use our HIN Verification Request Form

To ask a Marine Deputy a question or make a comment, please use our Contact Form

To request literature, please use our Literature Request Form

Please visit the Idaho Parks & Recreation Boating FAQ Page

To ask a Marine Deputy a question or make a comment, please use our Contact Form

To request literature, please use our Literature Request Form

 

67-7001. PURPOSE. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Idaho to improve boating safety, to foster the greater development, use and enjoyment of the waters of this state by watercraft and to adopt certain standards for the safe operation and equipment of vessels. This chapter may be known and shall be cited as the “Idaho Safe Boating Act.”

67-7028. ENFORCEMENT. The sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the respective counties shall be primarily responsible for the enforcement of this chapter and in the exercise of their authority may stop and board any vessel subject to law.

Chapter 70 Idaho Safe Boating Act

OPERATION DRY WATER

As the boating season begins, millions of Americans will be participating in recreational boating. While these excursions are full of fun and leisure, the number one priority for every boater should be safety. Remember that it is important to take the necessary steps to make sure everyone on board stays safe. Here are some tips to ensure you, your family, and friends are safe while on the water.

1. BEFORE YOU GO

  • Boating Safety Course
  • Vessel Safety Check
  • Pre-Departure Checklist
  • Check the Weather
  • File a Float Plan


2. WHAT YOU NEED

  • Life Jackets
  • Throw-able Flotation Aids
  • Visual Distress Signals
  • Sound Producing Devices
  • Engine Cut-Off Devices

3. ON THE BOAT

  • Be Aware
  • Boat Sober
  • Life Jackets
  • Navigation Aids

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS AND RADAR

IDAHO BOATING REQUIREMENTS

For additional information or questions visit the Frequently Asked Questions tab at www.boatidaho.gov or contact your local sheriff’s department and speak with a marine deputy. See contact information for the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office in the footer below.
 

For your Motorboat less than 16′ here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally required equipment

  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Inboard motors need to have a backfire flame arrester (and blower.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)
  • Out-of-state boaters must purchase and display the Idaho Invasive Species Sticker before launching on Idaho waters

 

Additional boat safety information and boating laws.

  • A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag ) is required to be displayed when a person or persons being towed are down in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square.
  • Do not exceed the capacity of the boat (count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
  • Idaho law requires kids 14 years and younger to wear their life jacket on all boats 19′ and under, while underway.
  • If the boat is equipped with a marine sanitation device, it must be Coast Guard approved.
  • Properly working and Coast Guard approved navigation lights are required to be displayed between sunset and sunrise, and periods of restricted visibility.
  • Towing can only be legally done if a competent observer is present on the boat in addition to the operator.
  • Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recommends that all boaters take a boating safety class. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found at www.boatidaho.gov .

For additional questions or to request a boat inspection contact your local county sheriff’s office.

Some counties have local ordinances more restrictive than state law, contact your local county sheriff’s office if you are not familiar with these ordinances before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage in excess of $1,500 must be reported to the sheriff’s office – no exceptions!

Cold water kills! Water temperatures can be very cold even in summer, wear a life jacket to prevent accidental drowning.

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For your Motorboat 16′ or longer here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally required equipment

  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Inboard motors need to have a backfire flame arrester (and blower.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)
  • A throwable cushion or ring is required on all boats 16′ and longer (must be Coast Guard approved.)
  • Out-of-state boaters must purchase and display the Idaho Invasive Species Sticker before launching on Idaho waters.

Additional boat safety information and boating laws.

  • A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag ) is required to be displayed when a person or persons being towed are down in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square.
  • Do not exceed the capacity of the boat (count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
  • Idaho law requires kids 14 years and younger to wear their life jacket on all boats 19′ and under, while underway.
  • If the boat is equipped with a marine sanitation device, it must be Coast Guard approved.
  • Properly working and Coast Guard approved navigation lights are required to be displayed between sunset and sunrise, and periods of restricted visibility.
  • Towing can only be legally done if a competent observer is present on the boat in addition to the operator.

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recommends that all boaters take a boating safety class. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found at www.boatidaho.gov .

For your Personal Watercraft (PWC) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally required equipment

  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board (all persons on a PWC must wear a life jacket.)
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)
  • Out-of-state boaters must purchase and display the Idaho Invasive Species Sticker before launching on Idaho waters.

 

Additional boat safety information and boating laws.

  • Do not exceed the capacity of the boat.
  • Properly working and Coast Guard approved navigation lights are required to be displayed between sunset and sunrise, and periods of restricted visibility.
  • For a three person PWC, only one person at a time may be towed (three people = driver, observer and person being towed).
  • Towing can only be legally done on a PWC rated for a minimum capacity of three people and a competent observer must be present.
  • Towing more than one person on a PWC would exceed the capacity of a three person PWC.
  • A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag ) is required to be displayed when a person or persons being towed are down in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square.

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recommends that all boaters take a boating safety class. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found at www.boatidaho.gov .

For additional questions or to request a boat inspection contact your local county sheriff’s office.

Some counties have local ordinances more restrictive than state law, contact your local county sheriff’s office if you are not familiar with these ordinances before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage in excess of $1,500 must be reported to the sheriff’s office – no exceptions!

Cold water kills! Water temperatures can be very cold even in summer, wear a life jacket to prevent accidental drowning.

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For your Sailboat here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.

Legally required equipment

  • Certificate of Number (boat registration) on board.
  • Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  • Current year validation stickers displayed on each side of the vessel (in front.)
  • Fire extinguisher (Coast Guard approved, Type B or Type ABC, and rated for marine use.)
  • Sound producing device (horn or whistle.)
  • A throwable cushion or ring is required on all boats 16′ and longer (must be Coast Guard approved.)
  • Out-of-state boaters must purchase and display the Idaho Invasive Species Sticker before launching on Idaho waters.

 

Additional boat safety information and boating laws.

  • Idaho law requires kids 14 years and younger to wear their life jacket on all boats 19′ and under, while underway.
  • If the boat is equipped with a marine sanitation device, it must be Coast Guard approved.
  • Properly working and Coast Guard approved navigation lights are required to be displayed between sunset and sunrise, and periods of restricted visibility.

Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recommends that all boaters take a boating safety class. A list of classes and additional on-line options can be found at www.boatidaho.gov .

For additional questions or to request a boat inspection contact your local county sheriff’s office.

Some counties have local ordinances more restrictive than state law, contact your local county sheriff’s office if you are not familiar with these ordinances before you boat.

All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage in excess of $1,500 must be reported to the sheriff’s office – no exceptions!

Cold water kills! Water temperatures can be very cold even in summer, wear a life jacket to prevent accidental drowning.

Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

BOAT LAUNCH SITES IN BEAR LAKE COUNTY

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION

Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation’s core values include integrity, compassion, service, stewardship and commitment. We protect the resources that are entrusted to us, we strive to help visitors experience those resources in a positive way and we endeavor to be vital members of the communities in which we operate.

“Idaho’s state parks represent the great variety and beauty of the state, and our park rangers are proud to share some of our state’s splendor with you. It is my pleasure to join them in welcoming you to Idaho. I hope you will return often to experience the excitement and diverse opportunities we have to offer.”  Governor Butch Otter

 

BEAR LAKE NAVIGATION HAZARDS

Bear Lake Watch with USGS Starts Lake Monitoring Study

USGS MONITORING DEVICE

USGS MONITORING DEVICE

Bear Lake Watch has partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey with funding from Utah and Idaho and PacifiCorp to initiate a five-year study on Bear Lake. There is a need to begin monitoring limnological and weather conditions around Bear Lake. Two scientific platforms were deployed by USGS and YSl last week. One sampling point will remain consistent throughout the study period. That platform is off North Eden in the deep part of the lake. The other platform will be placed shortly near the center of the Idaho portion of the lake for 2019 , but will be moved between five locations during the study to collect information on how different areas of the Lake vary. Soon, real time data will be streamed to a website so you can check on conditions around the platforms. They will be removed prior to ice formation and again be deployed the following spring.

There are expensive, delicate instruments on the platforms so the public needs to be aware of their location and avoid disturbing them. There are long anchor lines so fishermen need to steer clear to avoid snagging lines. They have lights at night for navigational purposes. People onshore need to be aware of this so they don’t report them as distressed watercraft.

Bear Lake Watch is proud to be the leader in new research on Bear Lake. Funds are generated by members and the Merlin Olsen Golf Tournament. As the study develops, more information will be available. Bryce Nielsen