Chapter 087

2007 -- H 5731 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED

Enacted 06/22/07

A N A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - REGULATION OF BOATS

Introduced By: Representatives Ehrhardt, and Story

Date Introduced: February 28, 2007

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 46-22-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 46-22 entitled

"Regulation of Boats" is hereby amended to read as follows:

46-22-12. Water skis and surfboards. -- (a) No person shall operate a vessel on any

waters of this state for towing a person or persons on water skis, or a surfboard, or similar device

unless there is in the vessel a person at least twelve (12) years of age, in addition to the operator,

in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed; and there shall be

aboard the vessel, in addition to those required for the persons aboard the vessel, at least one life

preserver, or life belt, or ring buoy for the person or persons being towed. Any person or persons

on water skis, a surfboard, a tube or similar device that is being towed behind a vessel on any

waters of this state shall be required to wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

      (b) No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person or

persons on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing,

surfboarding, or similar activity at any time between the hours from one hour after sunset to one

hour before sunrise.

      (c) The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a performer

engaged in a professional exhibition or a person or persons engaged in an activity authorized

under section 46-22-13.

      (d) No person shall operate or manipulate any vessel, tow rope, or other device by which

the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard, or similar device may be affected or controlled

in such a way as to cause the water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or any person thereon to

collide with or strike against any object or person.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01153/SUB A

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