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Laws Specific to PWC
- Never jump the wake of any vessel that is towing a person on water skis, inner tube, wakeboard or other similar device.
- A PWC operator may NOT operate at faster than “slow-no-wake” within:
- 100 feet of any other vessel
- 200 feet of any shore on any lake
- 100 feet of a dock, pier, raft or restricted area on any lake
- A PWC must operate in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:
- Jumping a wake with a PWC within 100 feet of another vessel
- Operating within 100 feet of a vessel that is towing a person or operating within 100 feet of the tow rope or the person being towed
- Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
- Steering toward another object or person in the water swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid a collision.
- Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your PWC
- Every person on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved personal floatation device (PFD).
- An operator of a PWC must attach a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch to clothing or PFD.
- A PWC passenger cannot sit in front of the driver.
- A PWC operator must always be facing forward.
Did You Know?
Who can drive a PWC?
- Anyone under 12 yrs old may not operate a PWC.
- Anyone 12 yrs and older may operate a PWC if they have completed a boating safety course. (Parental supervision is NOT a substitute for a boating safety course certificate as with other motorboats.)
- Anyone born before Jan 1st, 1989 may operate a PWC.
