The bill introduces new regulations for the activity of wake surfing on public bodies of water. It specifies that wake surfing is prohibited on bodies of water that are less than 50 acres in size. Additionally, the bill restricts wake surfing within 300 feet of shorelines, docks, piers, boathouses, or other boats. These new restrictions are marked by insertions in the legal text.
The bill also addresses the operation of motorboats in relation to wake surfing. It clarifies that no person shall operate a motorboat with certain types of propulsion systems while a person is wake surfing unless the system is specifically designed for that activity. Furthermore, the Department of Safety is tasked with promoting best practices in wake surfing through boater safety education, which includes instructing operators to direct surf waves away from shorelines to ensure the safety of the surfer and the operating conditions. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 270-D:3
As Amended by the Senate: 270-D:3
As Amended by the House: 270-D:3