Sec. 08.18.35.07. Water Skiing  


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  • A. A person may not:

    (1) Operate a vessel while towing a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar device unless:

    (a) The operator is 12 years old or older, and

    (b) There is an observer who is 12 years old or older or the vessel is equipped with a wide-angle rear-view mirror; and

    (2) Engage in water skiing, surf boarding, or similar activity between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

    B. A person operating a vessel while towing a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar device shall keep 100 feet from:

    (1) The shore, wharf, pier, piling, jetty, bridge structure, abutment, or other fixed structure or obstruction;

    (2) A person in the water; and

    (3) Another vessel.

    C. The maximum length for a tow rope is 75 feet, except a tow rope of up to 100 feet may be used while towing a barefoot skier.

    D. A person may not manipulate water skis, a surfboard, or similar device:

    (1) In a reckless or negligent manner to endanger the life, limb, or property of others;

    (2) With an alcohol concentration in the blood of 0.07 of 1 percent or more as determined by analysis of blood or breath;

    (3) Under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance; or

    (4) Under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and alcohol.

    E. A person being towed by a vessel shall wear a personal flotation device. For the purpose of this section, a personal flotation device means a:

    (1) Life jacket;

    (2) Life vest;

    (3) Life preserver;

    (4) Barefoot wet suit; or

    (5) Trick skiing wet suit.