Md. Code Regs. 08.18.35.07

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 08.18.35.07 - Water Skiing

A. A person may not:

(1) Operate a vessel while towing a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar device unless:

(a) The operator is 12 years old or older, and

(b) There is an observer who is 12 years old or older or the vessel is equipped with a wide-angle rear-view mirror; and

(2) Engage in water skiing, surf boarding, or similar activity between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

B. A person operating a vessel while towing a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar device shall keep 100 feet from:

(1) The shore, wharf, pier, piling, jetty, bridge structure, abutment, or other fixed structure or obstruction;

(2) A person in the water; and

(3) Another vessel.

C. The maximum length for a tow rope is 75 feet, except a tow rope of up to 100 feet may be used while towing a barefoot skier.

D. A person may not manipulate water skis, a surfboard, or similar device:

(1) In a reckless or negligent manner to endanger the life, limb, or property of others;

(2) With an alcohol concentration in the blood of 0.07 of 1 percent or more as determined by analysis of blood or breath;

(3) Under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance; or

(4) Under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and alcohol.

E. A person being towed by a vessel shall wear a personal flotation device. For the purpose of this section, a personal flotation device means a:

(1) Life jacket;

(2) Life vest;

(3) Life preserver;

(4) Barefoot wet suit; or

(5) Trick skiing wet suit.

Md. Code Regs. 08.18.35.07

Regulations .07 adopted as an emergency provision effective May 15, 1997 (24:12 Md. R. 857); emergency status extended at 24:24 Md. R. 1668 and 25:9 Md. R. 676
Regulations .07 adopted effective May 18, 1998 (25:10 Md. R. 746)