A new state law changing the age requirements to operate a motorboat in Colorado is set to go into effect June 1.

The law prohibits operation of a motorboat or personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski, by individuals under the age of 18. Individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 years old may still operate a motorboat or personal watercraft, but only if they complete a boating safety course approved by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The new law does not apply to non-motorized vessels such as kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.

The reminder regarding the change in regulations came from CPW in honor of National Safe Boating Week, which takes place May 18-24. The agency noted four water-related fatalities have been recorded in Colorado so far this year. In 2023, there were 32 water-related fatalities, down from 42 in 2022 and 22 in 2021, according to CPW.

The agency says the majority of the 2023 fatalities occurred from people rafting and kayaking on the Colorado and Arkansas rivers following a strong winter and wet spring that overloaded the mountain snowpack and increased runoff flowing into rivers, streams and lakes.

Colorado laws mandate all vessels, motorized and non-motorized, to have a life jacket readily accessible for every person on board and require children under age 12 to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. However, CPW Manager of Boating Safety Grant Brown said the agency recommends boaters and passengers of all ages wear a life jacket when they are on a boat.

“Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives,” especially when water temperatures are under 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Brown said in a statement.

“Cold water immersion shock coupled with the lack of a life jacket have been contributing factors in the majority of drownings in Colorado in previous seasons,” Brown added. “We want people to have fun on the water and not be afraid of it, so we encourage you to bring the proper safety gear for a positive outdoor experience.”