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Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568
Safety: Personal Watercraft
Rivers | Lakes | Boating | Carbon Monoxide | Electric Shock Drowning | Cliff Diving | Aquatic Fatalities
The term "personal watercraft" is used to define a category of vessels that have grown in popularity as well as numbers. Personal watercraft are small (usually 8 feet or less) one or two person motorized craft. These vessels are highly maneuverable and capable of speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. They are also called jet skis, wet bikes, etc.
Because of their small size and low profile, operators of other boats
may not see them as readily. Operators of personal watercraft should
exercise "defensive driving." These craft are highly responsive
and capable of quick turns. In fact, this is what they are designed for
and is part of the fun. However, this kind of operation is considered
reckless if done in congested areas of boat traffic.
In addition to being governed by some of the laws that apply to other
boats, the following laws apply to personal watercraft:
- Children under 12 are prohibited from operating personal watercraft or motorboats over 10 horsepower.
- Boaters ages 12-17 will be required to pass a safe-boating test to operate watercraft, or have an adult on board at all times.
- The operator must use an engine kill switch when the craft is underway.
- Operators and passengers must wear personal flotation devices (life jackets).
- No personal watercraft are to be operated from sunset to sunrise.
- Where skiing is prohibited, personal watercraft operators will not jump the wake of another boat, perform abrupt turns, or engage in similar acrobatic maneuvers.
- In areas where skiing is allowed, personal watercraft operators will not jump the wake of another boat by getting unreasonably close to the other boat or when visibility around the other boat is restricted.
- Personal watercraft operators will not pass close enough to other boats to cast spray on another vessel or engage in any other reckless practice which could endanger life, safety, or property.
For more informtion on safety rules regulating personal watercraft, request a copy of the Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (1-800-858-1549).
Title: Water Safety
Last Updated:
August 21, 2008
