Senate Bill 1025 aims to regulate wakesurfing in Wisconsin by explicitly defining the activity and applying existing safety regulations for water skiing and aquaplaning to wakesurfing. The bill defines wakesurfing as surfing a motorboat's wake, whether being towed or not, and includes specific requirements for engaging in the activity. These requirements mandate that the motorboat must operate at least 200 feet away from shorelines, docks, and other structures, as well as from any person in the water or occupied vessels. Additionally, individuals wakesurfing must wear a personal flotation device as prescribed by federal regulations. The bill also clarifies that these restrictions do not apply to authorized wakesurfing tournaments or competitions.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to incorporate wakesurfing into the definitions and regulations surrounding aquaplaning. It renumbers and amends certain sections of the law, including the addition of new subsections that outline the specific conditions under which wakesurfing is permitted. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is tasked with including wakesurfing education in its boating safety courses, ensuring that individuals are informed about the proper use and operation of motorboats for wakesurfing. The penalties for violations of wakesurfing regulations will align with those currently in place for water skiing violations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 30.69(1)(a)(intro.), 30.69, 30.69(3)(d), 30.74(1)(a), 30.74