This bill amends current law regarding the operation of personal watercraft, specifically jet skis, by establishing exceptions for emergency personnel while they are performing their official duties. Under the existing regulations, individuals are prohibited from operating personal watercraft in various restricted conditions, such as exceeding minimum headway speed near the shoreline, swimming areas, or other vessels. The bill introduces new legal language that exempts law enforcement officers, members of fire departments, beach patrols, and certified emergency medical personnel from these restrictions when they are engaged in rescue operations or other official duties.

The key insertion in the bill specifies that the aforementioned emergency personnel are not subject to the standard prohibitions on personal watercraft operation, allowing them greater flexibility to respond to emergencies effectively. This change aims to enhance the ability of these professionals to provide timely assistance in critical situations while ensuring that they can operate personal watercraft without the constraints typically imposed by the law. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12:7-63