New boating requirements signed into law after deadliest year on Colorado waters

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Following the deadliest year recorded on Colorado's recreational waterways, lawmakers decided something had to change.

As part of that solution, Governor Jared Polis signed a new bill into law Thursday that requires operators under the age of 18 to pass a boating safety class.

Across the state, 40 people died on Colorado waters - including eight at Lake Pueblo. SB23-069, Requirements To Operate A Motorboat, hopes to address the high number of water-related deaths.

Boaters KRDO spoke with said they're on board with the new law.

The law also requires people under 18 to keep their certificates with them while boating.

The law goes into effect in June 2024. It will only apply to public waterways.