HB 3721

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. 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.