HB 2492

Abstract

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Defines "ski flag" as a red or orange flag measuring no less than 12 inches on each side, in the shape of a square or rectangle and mounted or displayed on a motorboat in such a manner as to be visible from every direction. Provides that a ski flag shall be displayed to indicate a downed water skier, a water skier in the water preparing to ski, a water skiing line extended from the motorboat, or a ski in the water in the vicinity of the motorboat. Provides that for the purposes of ski flag requirements, "water skier" includes persons engaged in all forms of water skiing or any activity where a person is towed behind or alongside a motorboat, including, but not limited to, barefoot skiing, tubing, skiing on other contrivances, wake boarding, and parasailing. Exempts from the new provisions performers engaged in professional exhibitions and persons engaged in a regatta, vessel or water skiing race or competition, or other marine event authorized by law. Provides that a violation of the new provisions is a petty offense punishable by a fine of $25, of which the moneys shall be deposited into the Conservation Police Operations Assistance Fund. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall adopt rules to implement the new provisions.