Brief Description: Prohibiting certain activities on motor driven boats and vessels.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Rasmussen, Kastama, Haugen and Kline.

Hearing Date: 2/17/06

Staff: Amy Van Horn (786-7168).

Background:

Teak surfing, also known as bodysurfing or platform dragging, is a boating activity in which a person in the water hangs on to the swim platform on the back of a moving boat, or lets go and "surfs" in the wave that trails behind the boat. Teak surfing is not prohibited in Washington.

Recreational boating is generally regulated by the State Parks and Recreation Commission
(Commission). Areas of regulation include vessel muffler systems, personal flotation devices,
water skiing safety, and required equipment. The Commission is currently developing a program
of mandatory boater education. Boater safety education requirements are being phased in over
11 years, with all boat operators required to have successfully completed the education
requirements by the year 2016.

Vessel emissions standards are not regulated by the Commission. However, the Commission is
required to provide statewide recreational boating fire prevention education that includes
education about the hazards of carbon monoxide (RCW 79A.60.610).

Summary of Bill:

Running a boat's motor while an individual is teak surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the boat is prohibited. Running the motor while someone is occupying or holding on to the swim platform, step, or ladder is also prohibited. This provision does not apply when someone occupies a swim platform to get in or out of the boat or to assist with docking or departing. The terms teak surfing, platform dragging, and bodysurfing are defined.

A violation of these provisions is a natural resource infraction as provided in RCW 7.84. An infraction is a non-criminal offense punishable by a fine from $10 up to $500.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.