(1) No person may
operate a motor driven boat or vessel or have the engine of a
motor driven boat or vessel run idle while an individual is teak
surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the motor
driven boat or vessel.
(2) No person may operate a motor driven boat or vessel or
have the engine of a motor driven boat or vessel run idle while
an individual is occupying or holding onto the swim platform,
swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder of the motor driven boat or
vessel.
(3) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply when an
individual is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step,
or swim ladder for a very brief period of time while assisting
with the docking or departure of the vessel, while exiting or
entering the vessel, or while the vessel is engaged in law
enforcement or emergency rescue activity.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "teak surfing" or
"platform dragging" means holding onto the swim platform, swim
deck, swim step, swim ladder, or any portion of the exterior of
the transom of a motor driven boat or vessel for any amount of
time while the motor driven boat or vessel is underway at any
speed.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "bodysurfing" means
swimming or floating on one's stomach or on one's back on or in
the wake directly behind a motor driven boat or vessel that is
underway.
(6) A violation of this section is a natural resource
infraction punishable as provided under chapter 7.84 RCW, however
the fine imposed may not exceed one hundred dollars.
[2006 c 140 § 1.]
NOTES:
Short title -- 2006 c 140: "This act may be known and cited as the Jenda Jones and Denise Colbert safe boating act." [2006 c 140 § 5.]