SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1007

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Ballard, Ferguson, McLean and K. Wilson) 

Promoting safety in water skiing.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 20, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bauer, Owen.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  March 20, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state of Washington possesses a large variety of waters on which boating recreation occurs.  The State Parks and Recreation Commission has adopted boating safety standards which closely parallel the United States Coast Guard safety standards.  However, there are no statewide standards for water ski safety.  Some counties and other local governments have adopted water ski safety regulations but these vary widely from area to area. 

SUMMARY:

A recreational boat operated on any state waters and towing any person on water skis or a similar device must have an operator and an observer on board.  "Operator" is the person in physical control of the boat and the "observer" is a person riding in the boat who is responsible for observing the water skier.  The operator and the observer cannot be the same person.  A recreational boat is any vessel manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use, or leased, rented or chartered for noncommercial use.

The observer must watch the skier at all times.  Anytime the skier is in the water, the observer must display a 12 inch square bright red flag which is mounted on a handle at least 24 inches long.  The flag must be displayed so as to be visible from every direction.

Any U.S. Coast Guard approved recreational boat, the design of which makes no provision for carrying an operator or any person on board, and that is actually operated by the person or persons being towed, is exempt from the above requirements. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Skiers must wear a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket or wetsuit when skiing or attempting to ski.  Night and negligent skiing are prohibited.  The section does not apply to tournaments, competitions or exhibitions which are authorized by the appropriate agency or jurisdiction.

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Clyde Ballard, original sponsor (pro); Cleve Pinnix, State Parks and Recreation Commission (pro); Mark Gjurasic, Interclub Boating Association of Washington (pro); Robin Sells, Ski-FREE (pro)