FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1007

                                  C 241 L 89

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

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Washington's boating accident fatality rate is more than double the national average.  From 1984 to 1988, three deaths were reported related to water skiing.  During the same period, 49 water skiing accidents were reported.

The state Parks and Recreation Commission has adopted boating safety standards.  The standards adopted are the United States Coast Guard safety standards, that do not deal with water skiing safety.  There are, therefore, no statewide standards for water skiing safety.  Some counties and other local governments have adopted water skiing safety regulations, but these vary widely from area to area.

SUMMARY:

Any recreational boat operating on any state waters and towing any number of people on water skis or similar contrivances must have at least an operator and an observer on board.  The 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 non-commercial use, or leased, rented, or chartered for non-commercial use.

The observer must watch the skier at all times.  Any time the skier is in the water, whether because the skier has fallen or because the skier is preparing to ski, the observer must display a 12 inch square, bright red flag that is mounted on a handle at least 24 inches long. The flag must be displayed so as to be visible from every direction.

An exception is established for any U.S. Coast Guard approved recreational boat, if the design makes no provision for carrying an operator or any other person on board, and the boat is actually operated by the person or persons being towed.

Any person who is water skiing or attempting to water ski must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device or a wet suit that is designed for and capable of floating the water skier.  Water skiing is prohibited on state waters from one hour after sunset until one hour prior to sunrise.  Water skiing in a negligent manner is prohibited.  Water skiers and boaters in authorized tournaments, competitions, or exhibitions are exempted from these provisions.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 95   0

      Senate    35    12 (Senate amended)

      House 94   1 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:May 5, 1989