WHO CAN DRIVE

Who can drive

The designated boat operator must be at least 23 years of age (an insurance requirement) and hold a valid driver's license, and only drivers listed on the rental agreement may operate the boat. Every driver certifies they're familiar with operating an inboard tow boat. Whenever you have a rider being towed — wakesurfing, wakeboarding, or tubing — a separate spotter (age 12+) must be seated facing aft to watch the rider. Children under 12 may not operate the helm under any circumstances.

First-time renters or anyone unfamiliar with inboard tow boats will complete a 15-minute on-water orientation with one of our team members before departure. We'll walk you through ballast control, the surf system, throttle response, and no-wake zones near the marina. This isn't a test — it's 15 minutes that tends to make the whole day better.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Required equipment

Every boat departs with a full complement of USCG-approved personal flotation devices sized XS through XXL — enough for a full passenger load. Under Utah and Arizona law, life jackets must be worn at all times by anyone under 12, by anyone being towed, and by anyone in the water awaiting pickup after a fall. The engine kill cord (lanyard) must be attached to the driver's wrist or life jacket whenever the boat is on plane — we will not allow departure without it in place.

Each boat also carries a throwable Type IV PFD, a mounted fire extinguisher, a VHF marine radio pre-tuned to channel 16, a first-aid kit, and an emergency flare kit. Boarding ladders are attached at the stern. Do not remove, swap, or stow any safety equipment — these items must remain accessible throughout your rental.

RULES ON THE WATER

Rules on the water

You'll review and sign these at check-in, but here's the short version so there are no surprises:

• No alcohol or drugs in connection with the rental — the operator must be sober at all times.
• Stay 150 feetfrom any shore, swimmer, boat, or watercraft whenever you're traveling above 5 mph, and obey every no-wake / wakeless zone and posted marker.
• Don't beach the boat. Stay in at least 5–6 feet of water — submerged rock and sandbars are the most common cause of damage on Lake Powell.
• Daylight operation only, and never exceed the boat's rated passenger capacity.
• Inspect the propeller before you head out. A harsh vibration means a problem — return to the dock right away.
• Report any problem, collision, or damage immediately by radio (channel 16) or by returning to the docks.
• Board from the stern with the motor off, keep everyone clear of the prop, and no weapons aboard.
• Tubing is included and encouraged — a tube and ropes come with every boat. Always run a spotter, and keep riders in life jackets.

WEATHER POLICY

Weather policy

Lake Powell is beautiful in nearly any conditions, but sustained winds above 20 mph create choppy, unsafe water for tow sports. If conditions at the marina are genuinely unsafe at your departure, our on-site team may delay or pause activity for everyone's safety, and we'll work with you on timing within your rental.

That said, weather is part of boating on a big desert lake: we don't issue refunds or extend rental time for weather, wind, or water conditions, and weather-related damage to the boat remains the renter's responsibility (see our full policy). We'll never pressure you to take a boat out in conditions you're not comfortable with.

EMERGENCIES

Emergencies

In any on-water emergency, hail the nearest marina or the National Park Service patrol on VHF Channel 16. Channel 16 is the universal distress and hailing frequency monitored by all vessels and the NPS lake rangers around the clock. State your position using landmarks or GPS coordinates and describe the nature of the emergency.

For anything urgent — injuries, vessel distress, or a person overboard who cannot be recovered — call 911 and hail on VHF Channel 16 right away; those reach help fastest on the water. Our team also monitors Channel 16 on rental days and keeps a rigid inflatable rescue boat at Antelope Point, so we can be on the water within minutes. For non-urgent issues, email us at bookings@lakepowellrentalco.com.