Lake Powell boating safety equipment checklist
The gear every boat needs on Lake Powell — the legally required items matched to your boat’s size, plus the recommended kit that a remote desert lake really calls for.
Updated
Every Lake Powell boat needs the legally required minimum: a Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person, a fire extinguisher (B-1 minimum on powered boats), a sound-signaling device, and navigation lights from sunset to sunrise. Boats 16 feet and over add a throwable Type IV device and visual distress signals, with more required as length grows. On a remote, hot lake, also carry a VHF radio, extra water, a fuel reserve and a satellite communicator.
Facts checked July 2026.
What safety equipment is required on every boat?
These are the core items required by law on Lake Powell. Confirm all of them before you launch:
- A Coast Guard–approved life jacket for every person aboard
- A throwable flotation device (Type IV)
- A sound-signaling device (horn or whistle)
- Visual distress signals (flares)
- A fire extinguisher (B-1 type minimum)
- Navigation lights (sunset to sunrise)
What’s required by boat size?
Legal requirements scale with vessel length. Match your boat to the row below:
| Boat length | Required equipment |
|---|---|
| Under 16 feet | One B-1 fire extinguisher; a life jacket for each person; a sound device; navigation lights if used after dark. |
| 16–26 feet | One B-1 or two B-2 fire extinguishers; a life jacket for each person; a throwable device (Type IV); a sound device (horn audible 1/2 mile); visual distress signals; navigation lights. |
| 26–40 feet | Two B-1 or one B-2 fire extinguisher; a life jacket for each person; a throwable device (Type IV); a sound device (horn audible 1 mile); visual distress signals; navigation lights; a backfire flame arrestor; a ventilation system. |
| 40–65 feet | Three B-1 (or one B-1 plus one B-2) fire extinguisher; a life jacket for each person; a throwable device (Type IV); a bell and horn; visual distress signals; navigation lights; a backfire flame arrestor; a ventilation system. |
Communication gear
- VHF marine radio (channel 16 for emergencies)
- Cell phone in a waterproof case
- An emergency whistle on each life jacket
- Signal mirror
- Manual air horn as a backup
- Marina contact numbers
Navigation gear
- GPS with Lake Powell maps
- Depth finder / fish finder
- Magnetic compass
- Waterproof paper charts as backup
- Binoculars
- A spare propeller and tools
First aid and medical
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
- Prescription medications (extra supply)
- Antihistamines for bites and stings
- Motion-sickness medication
- Burn gel and aloe vera
- Emergency blanket and CPR mask
Anchoring and docking
- Anchor with adequate rode or chain
- Dock lines (at least four)
- Fenders or bumpers
- Boat hook
- Shore-power adapter
- Beach wheels for beaching
What extra gear does Lake Powell call for?
Two things set this lake apart — the desert heat and the remote distances. Pack for both:
Desert environment:
- Extra water — a gallon or more per person per day
- Sun protection: hats, shirts and a shade structure
- Lip balm with SPF
- Electrolyte replacement drinks
- Cooling towels
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Remote location:
- Satellite communicator or EPIRB
- A 30% fuel reserve, minimum
- Jump-starter battery pack
- Basic tool kit and duct tape
- A knife
- Emergency contact list, posted
Pre-departure inspection
Mechanical systems:
- Engine oil level and condition
- Coolant level and hoses
- Fuel level and reserves
- Battery charge and connections
- Steering, throttle and shift controls
- Bilge pump, horn and gauges
Safety equipment:
- Life jackets accessible and fitted
- Fire extinguisher charged and mounted
- Flares within their expiration date
- First-aid kit stocked
- VHF radio tested
- Navigation lights working and anchor secured
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks — a good way to confirm your kit before a big trip.
Frequently asked questions
What safety equipment is legally required on Lake Powell?
Every boat needs a Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person, a fire extinguisher (B-1 minimum on powered boats), a sound-signaling device and navigation lights from sunset to sunrise. Boats 16 feet and over also need a throwable Type IV device and visual distress signals. Requirements scale up with length.
How many life jackets do you need on a boat?
One Coast Guard–approved life jacket for every person aboard, kept readily accessible. Children under 13 must wear one at all times underway. Boats 16 feet and longer also need one throwable Type IV flotation device.
What size fire extinguisher does a boat need?
A B-1 type is the minimum on powered boats. Larger boats need more: 16 to 40 feet generally carries one B-1 or two B-2 (or one B-2), and 40 to 65 feet carries up to three B-1 units. Check the gauge monthly and have it serviced annually.
What extra gear should you bring on Lake Powell specifically?
Because the lake is remote and hot, add a satellite communicator or EPIRB, a 30% fuel reserve, a spare prop and tools, extra water (a gallon or more per person per day), sun protection and a paper-map backup. Cell service covers only about 20% of the lake.
What should you check before leaving the marina?
Run a pre-departure inspection: engine oil, coolant, fuel and battery; steering and throttle; bilge pump; and the full safety kit — life jackets fitted, extinguisher charged, flares in date, VHF tested, navigation lights working and the anchor secured.
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