Oregon is host to diverse, beautiful and sometimes dangerous waters that stretch from the crest of the Cascades to the deserts of easter Oregon, the lush vallies of western Oregon and the coastal region. Boaters should make sure their skill and equipment is adequate for the waters they enter. While accidents happen for a variety of reasons, 80 percent or more of fatalities could be prevented if the victims wore life jackets.

Speed limits, motor restrictions and other regulations are in place on all Oregon waterways. It pays to know the regulations before you go - some small lakes are managed for manually powered craft only, and certain rivers allow motorboats only on certain days.