"The next most common violation is owners not having all the required safety equipment on board or in proper working order," said Harris. "It always seems that there is at least one piece of equipment either missing or inoperable."

He also noted that there is growing concern over people riding on the "exterior portion" of a vessel.

"We see people riding on the padded engine cover and even on the swim platform. We see all kinds of things that are in violation. The rule is that any time the boat is going over wakeless speed, passengers must be on the inside of a rail or in the main seating area of the boat."

Another often overlooked detail is that owners must carry proof of liability insurance on the craft at all times, "just like in a car."

One misinterpreted law involves children and life jackets. The law reads that all children 12 and under must wear a certified life jacket while on board a boat.

"Some believe that when the boat is stopped that children can remove their life jackets. That is not the case. The only time a child can remove a life jacket is when that boat is beached or docked," he said.

Harris has also noticed a rise in the number of water ski/wakeboard incidents in recent years. In 2001, 2002 and 2003, there were four injuries related to water skiing and wakeboarding. In 2004, there were seven, in 2005, there were 21, and in 2006, there were 31. Last year, there were 24.

"My initial observation is most of these accidents were the result of wakeboarding," he added.

Last year, there were 76,821 boats registered in Utah. The trend the past few years has been up. In 2006, for example, there were 76,500. The peak in boating registrations came in 2001 with 79,500 boats registered.

Harris believes there are a number of reasons for the growing number of boats in Utah. Topping the list is the fact that people enjoy boating and water sports. He just hopes people practice good, safe boating.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com