Section 46-22-9.4 - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury(a) When the serious bodily injury of any person ensues as a proximate result of the operation of any vessel in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person so operating such vessel shall be guilty of "operating so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury."(b)"Serious bodily injury" means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.(c) Any person charged with a violation of this section shall upon conviction be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years and shall be required to take a boating safety course.R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-22-9.4