5-341. Negligent operation of watercraft or
water skis; restriction in operation of watercraft; violation;
classification


A. No person shall operate a watercraft in a careless, reckless or negligent
manner.


B. A person shall not operate a watercraft while allowing a person to ride on the
gunwales, the transom or the decked over bow of a watercraft propelled by machinery
operating in excess of wakeless speed except if:


1. That portion of the watercraft was designed and constructed for the purpose of
carrying passengers at all speeds.


2. The watercraft is being maneuvered for anchoring, mooring or casting off
moorings.


C. No watercraft shall be operated with a passenger or passengers on the bow in
such a manner as to obstruct the view of the operator.


D. No person on water skis, a surfboard or a similar contrivance shall behave in a
careless, reckless or negligent manner.


E. Except in case of emergency no person under the age of twelve years may operate
a watercraft propelled by a motor of greater than eight horsepower unless the person's
parent or legal guardian or at least one person who is eighteen years of age or older is
present on the watercraft.


F. Except as provided in subsection E, it is unlawful for any person to allow
another person under the age of twelve to operate a motor-powered watercraft.


G. A person violating subsection A, B, C or D is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.