• About
    • Blog
    • City History
    • Photo Gallery
    • Our City’s Brand
    • Media Room
    • Board of Directors
    • Community Partners
    • Staff Members
    • About the Bureau
  • London Bridge
    • Tour
    • London Bridge Fun Facts
    • The English Village
  • Visitor Information Center
  • Free Guides
  • Spring Break
  • Weddings
  • Contact
  • Play
    • Attractions
      • Overview
      • London Bridge
      • Beaches & Swimming
      • Parks
      • Aquatic Center
      • Birding
      • Havasu 95 Speedway
      • Library
      • Lighthouses
      • Museum of History
      • Rockhounding
      • Stargazing
      • Vortex Energy Sites
    • Boating
      • Boating Attractions
      • Boat-In Beaches & Campsites
      • Boat-In Dining
      • Boat Rentals
      • Launch Ramps & Marinas
      • Overnight Mooring
      • Boat Fueling
      • Boating Events
      • Boat Maintenance
      • Boat Storage
      • Boating Safety
    • Entertainment
      • Breweries & Wineries
      • Gaming & Casinos
      • Local Bands & Artists
      • Local Happenings
      • Movie Theaters
      • Lake Havasu Nightlife
      • Performing Arts
      • Shopping
    • Fishing
      • Bait & Tackle Shops
      • Fishing Docks
      • Fishing Licenses
      • Lake Havasu Fish Species
      • Fishing Tournaments
      • Bass Fishing
      • Fishing Pro Dean Rojas
    • Golfing
      • Search & Map
      • Disc Golf
    • Hiking
      • Day Hike Checklist
      • Desert Wildflowers
      • Hiking Heroes
    • Sports
      • Off-Roading
      • Watersports
      • Archery
      • Bowling
      • Court Sports
      • Cycling
      • Geocaching
      • Hunting
      • RC Boats & Planes
      • Rock Climbing
      • Shooting Ranges
      • Skateboarding & Scooters
    • Tours & Getaways
      • Guided Tours
      • Self-Guided Tours
      • Arizona Getaway Trips
  • Stay
    • Hotel Image
    • Accommodations
      • Camping
      • Hotels / Motels / Suites
      • Resorts
      • RV Parks
      • Vacation Rentals / Condos
  • Dine
    • Dine Image
    • Restaurants
      • American
      • Asian
      • Bar & Lounge
      • Coffee & Juice Bar
      • Fast Food & Sandwiches
    • Dine Right Column
      • Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
      • Italian & Pizza
      • Mexican
      • International
      • Specialty
  • Calendar
    • Calendar Image
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • January
      • February
      • March
      • April
      • May
      • June
      • July
    • Calendar Right Column
      • August
      • September
      • October
      • November
      • December
      • Submit an Event
      • Annual Event Calendar
  • Plan
    • Plan Image
    • Plan Your Trip
      • Event Planners
      • Airports & Air Charter
      • Transportation
      • Rental Cars
      • Fitness Centers
      • Medical Facilities
      • Enews
      • Spring Break
    • Plan Right Column
      • Free Guides
      • Itineraries
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Budget-Friendly
      • Family-Friendly
      • Pet-Friendly
      • Map Downloads
      • Weddings
  • More
    • About
      • Blog
      • City History
      • Photo Gallery
      • Our City’s Brand
      • Media Room
      • Board of Directors
      • Community Partners
      • Staff Members
      • About the Bureau
    • London Bridge
      • Tour
      • London Bridge Fun Facts
      • The English Village
    • Visitor Information Center
    • Free Guides
    • Spring Break
    • Weddings
    • Contact

Lake Havasu City

Convention and Vistors Bureau

  • Play
    • Attractions
      • Overview
      • London Bridge
      • Beaches & Swimming
      • Parks
      • Aquatic Center
      • Birding
      • Havasu 95 Speedway
      • Library
      • Lighthouses
      • Museum of History
      • Rockhounding
      • Stargazing
      • Vortex Energy Sites
    • Boating
      • Boating Attractions
      • Boat-In Beaches & Campsites
      • Boat-In Dining
      • Boat Rentals
      • Launch Ramps & Marinas
      • Overnight Mooring
      • Boat Fueling
      • Boating Events
      • Boat Maintenance
      • Boat Storage
      • Boating Safety
    • Entertainment
      • Breweries & Wineries
      • Gaming & Casinos
      • Local Bands & Artists
      • Local Happenings
      • Movie Theaters
      • Lake Havasu Nightlife
      • Performing Arts
      • Shopping
    • Fishing
      • Bait & Tackle Shops
      • Fishing Docks
      • Fishing Licenses
      • Lake Havasu Fish Species
      • Fishing Tournaments
      • Bass Fishing
      • Fishing Pro Dean Rojas
    • Golfing
      • Search & Map
      • Disc Golf
    • Hiking
      • Day Hike Checklist
      • Desert Wildflowers
      • Hiking Heroes
    • Sports
      • Off-Roading
      • Watersports
      • Archery
      • Bowling
      • Court Sports
      • Cycling
      • Geocaching
      • Hunting
      • RC Boats & Planes
      • Rock Climbing
      • Shooting Ranges
      • Skateboarding & Scooters
    • Tours & Getaways
      • Guided Tours
      • Self-Guided Tours
      • Arizona Getaway Trips
  • Stay
    • Hotel Image
    • Accommodations
      • Camping
      • Hotels / Motels / Suites
      • Resorts
      • RV Parks
      • Vacation Rentals / Condos
  • Dine
    • Dine Image
    • Restaurants
      • American
      • Asian
      • Bar & Lounge
      • Coffee & Juice Bar
      • Fast Food & Sandwiches
    • Dine Right Column
      • Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
      • Italian & Pizza
      • Mexican
      • International
      • Specialty
  • Calendar
    • Calendar Image
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • January
      • February
      • March
      • April
      • May
      • June
      • July
    • Calendar Right Column
      • August
      • September
      • October
      • November
      • December
      • Submit an Event
      • Annual Event Calendar
  • Plan
    • Plan Image
    • Plan Your Trip
      • Event Planners
      • Airports & Air Charter
      • Transportation
      • Rental Cars
      • Fitness Centers
      • Medical Facilities
      • Enews
      • Spring Break
    • Plan Right Column
      • Free Guides
      • Itineraries
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Budget-Friendly
      • Family-Friendly
      • Pet-Friendly
      • Map Downloads
      • Weddings
Home / Play / Boating / Boating Safety / Bridgewater Channel Laws
Share

Bridgewater Channel Laws


City ordinances governing the Bridgewater Channel

The Bridgewater Channel is a mecca for residents and vacationers and is a favorite hot-spot for boaters to beach during the warmer weather. The "Channel" is subject to the Lake Havasu City, Arizona Code of Ordinances as well as State and Federal laws. In the City Ordinance details, Arizona state law (AZ Revised Statutes) is noted in parenthesis.

City ordinances at a glance

  • Boaters must stay to the right (counter-clockwise).
  • No boat 36' or longer allowed without prior city permission.
  • Driver's view may not be impeded at any time.
  • No overloading of passengers in a boat.
  • No reckless or dangerous operation of a boat.
  • No idling while beached.
  • No stopping in the channel.
  • No-wake zone/5mph max.
  • No overnight mooring.
  • No swimming in or across the channel.
  • Water cannons/guns are illegal.
  • No bow-riding while underway.

Channel Ordinances (Civil Violations)

LawCity OrdinanceCorresponding
AZ Statute
All watercraft shall keep to the right of the center of the channel while in transit through the channel.§8.16.070A.R.S. §5-345
There is no stopping, parking, or anchoring in the channel in a manner which would impede or interfere with the flow of boating traffic.§8.16.090A.R.S. §5-347
No watercraft 36 feet in length or longer shall be operated through or within the channel. No houseboats through the channel.§8.16.095N/A
The channel is a no-wake zone, not to exceed 5 mph.§8.16.100A.R.S. §5-343
No person shall operate a watercraft with anyone or anything in or on the bow obstructing the view of the operator.§8.16.120A.R.S. §5-341
No boat mooring in the channel from 11pm-5am, except on privately-owned property with the permission of the property owner. [Fines for overnight mooring are $275 per night (current as of 08/14)]§8.16.130N/A
Every watercraft has a limitation of number of occupants/weight. It is illegal to overload a watercraft with more people or weight than the safety plate specifies.§8.16.140A.R.S. §5-344
There is no swimming in the channel at any time (this includes swimming across the channel).§8.16.150N/A

Violation of any of the ordinances above constitutes a civil violation under Lake Havasu City Ordinance and is subject to a fine not-to-exceed $500 for each violation.

Channel Ordinances (Criminal Violations)

LawCity OrdinanceCorresponding
AZ Statute
Any person operating a watercraft in reckless disregard for safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless operation of a watercraft.§8.16.180A.R.S. §5-341
Firing/shooting water or other liquid out of a water cannon from the shore of the channel at a driver or passengers of a boat, or from a boat toward people standing on the shore in the channel, is illegal and is a criminal misdemeanor. A water cannon means any device capable of emitting or discharging a stream of water or liquid substance over a distance of 10 feet. §8.16.190N/A
Water cannons used to fire at or from watercraft in the channel are subject to seizure when used in violation of §8.16.190 above.§8.16.191N/A
While beached within the channel, motorized watercraft may not idle their engines for any purpose once they are securely beached. Motorized watercraft may start their engines up to 1 minute before getting underway from the beach area.§8.16.210N/A
No passenger shall ride on the gunwales, transom, or deck over bow of a watercraft in motion and being propelled by machinery unless that portion of the watercraft was designated for the purpose of carrying passengers or the watercraft is being maneuvered for anchoring, mooring, or casting off moorings. In layman's terms, bow-riding, sitting at the front of the boat with your feet in the water, or sitting/standing on the swim step while the boat is underway is illegal and if convicted, considered a Class 1 misdemeanor under City ordinance and a Class 2 misdemeanor under State law§8.16.230A.R.S. §5-341

Violation of any of the ordinances above constitutes a criminal misdemeanor violation under Lake Havasu City Ordinance and is subject to a fine of not-to-exceed 2,500, or by imprisonment for a period not-to-exceed 6 months, or both.

For specific information about operating a boat or PWC while under the influence of alcohol, please go to our OUI page.

Fines and penalties may be greater based on the infraction or crime, as well as the violator being charged under both the city ordinance and the Arizona state statutes, which may constitute a different misdemeanor class. Common sense is the best way to keep yourself and your party safe from harm or citation. Anyone planning on boating through the Bridgewater Channel is urged to familiarize themselves with the Lake Havasu City Code of Ordinances, as well as the Arizona Revised Statutes.

Our boating safety section is a four-part series. Please browse through the additional sections for more information:

Part 1: Boating Safety
Part 2: Arizona Boating Laws
Part 3: Bridgewater Channel Laws
Part 4: OUI Laws

Rev. 3/17
  • Play
  • Attractions
    • Overview
    • London Bridge
      • Tour
      • London Bridge Fun Facts
      • The English Village
    • Beaches & Swimming
    • Parks
      • Cypress Park
      • Dog Parks
      • Lake Havasu State Park
      • London Bridge Beach
      • Rotary Community Park
      • SARA Park
      • Tinnell Memorial Sports Park
    • Aquatic Center
    • Birding
      • Bird Watching at Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge
      • Bird Watching in the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
      • Bird Species
    • Havasu 95 Speedway
    • Library
    • Lighthouses
    • Museum of History
    • Rockhounding
    • Stargazing
    • Vortex Energy Sites
  • Boating
    • Boating Attractions
    • Boat-In Beaches & Campsites
    • Boat-In Dining
    • Boat Rentals
    • Launch Ramps & Marinas
    • Overnight Mooring
    • Boat Fueling
    • Boating Events
    • Boat Maintenance
    • Boat Storage
    • Boating Safety
      • Arizona Boating Laws
      • Bridgewater Channel Laws
      • Operating Under the Influence
      • Designated Captain Program
  • Entertainment
    • Breweries & Wineries
      • Barley Brothers Restaurant & Brewery
      • College Street Brewhouse & Pub
      • Desert Diamond Distillery
      • Stetson Winery
      • Mudshark Brewery
    • Gaming & Casinos
    • Local Bands & Artists
    • Movie Theaters
    • Lake Havasu Nightlife
    • Performing Arts
    • Shopping
  • Fishing
    • Bait & Tackle Shops
    • Fishing Docks
    • Fishing Licenses
    • Lake Havasu Fish Species
    • Bass Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Fishing Pro Dean Rojas
  • Golfing
    • Search & Map
    • Disc Golf
  • Hiking
    • Day Hike Checklist
    • Desert Wildflowers
    • Hiking Heroes
  • Sports
    • Off-Roading
      • Off-Roading Events
      • Off-Road Rentals
      • Off-Road Vehicle Registration
      • Desert Bar
    • Watersports
      • Paddlesports
      • Scuba Diving
      • Wakeboarding & Waterskiing
    • Archery
    • Bowling
    • Court Sports
      • Tennis & Pickleball
      • Volleyball
    • Cycling
      • Bike Rentals
      • BMX
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
    • Geocaching
    • Hunting
    • RC Boats & Planes
    • Rock Climbing
    • Shooting Ranges
    • Skateboards & Scooters
  • Tours & Getaways
    • Guided Tours
    • Self-Guided Tours
      • Bird Watching
      • Girlfriends’ Getaway
      • Outdoor Enthusiasts
      • Tee-Off Time
    • Arizona Getaway Trips
      • Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge
      • Blythe Intaglios
      • Desert Bar
      • Diamond Creek Road to the Colorado River
      • Grand Canyon Caverns
      • Havasu Falls
      • Hualapai Mountains
      • Keepers of the Wild
      • Oatman
      • Route 66 Museum – Kingman
      • Stops Along Route 66
      • Topock Maze (Mystic Maze)

Upcoming Events

  1. Fireworks Over the Lake: July 4th Fireworks Show 3
    Jul. 04, 2018

    Fireworks Over the Lake:...Fireworks Over the Lake: July 4th Fireworks Show

  2. 36th Annual quakysense IJSBA World Finals 8
    Sep. 29-07, 2018

    Blowsion World FinalsBlowsion World Finals

  3. Lake Havasu Concert Assoc. presents Portraits of America Starring George Bugatti
    Oct. 17-21, 2018

    41st Annual Relics &...41st Annual Relics & Rods Run to the Sun

  4. 48th Annual Gem & Mineral Show
    Nov. 10, 2018

    49th Annual Gem & M...49th Annual Gem & Mineral Show

  5. 6th Annual Sand, Water & RV Expo
    Nov. 17-18, 2018

    7th Annual Sand, Water &...7th Annual Sand, Water & RV Expo

View All Events

Follow the Fun

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • Visitors Guide
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your Free Visitors Guide is Just a Click Away: Go
LakeHavasu-Footer
  • Play
  • Stay
  • Dine
  • Calendar
  • Plan
  • Book
  • About
  • Event Planners
  • Retirement & Relocation
  • Visitors Guide
  • London Bridge
  • Contact
Lake Havasu City CVB
314 London Bridge Rd.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928) 453-3444
(800) 242-8278
info@golakehavasu.com
en English
ar العربيةzh-CN 简体中文nl Nederlandsen Englishfr Françaisde Deutschit Italianopt Portuguêsru Русскийes Español

Play like you mean it® and the Lake Havasu logo are registered marks of the Lake Havasu Tourism Bureau dba Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Business listings appearing on this website are not an endorsement or recommendation for service by the Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

©Copyright 2017 Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau. All Rights Reserved.  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map