Wake Surfing, illegal in Utah, say it isn't so

[LovinPowell]

Just heard this on KCSG news last night, I hope that they didn't get it right.



New Rules on the Water

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Multiple carbon monoxide deaths over the past few years have prompted new boating rules in Utah.

From now on, a boat cannot be operated while someone is on the swimming platform, even if the boat is not moving and the engine is idling.

It is also illegal to tow people within 20 feet of the back of the boat.

And boats can no longer pull people in developed marinas or designated wakeless speed zones.

[Surfdad]

Wow. That's what the news station is reporting, but there isn't any link to the legislation and I wasn't able to find the text of this legilation anywhere. I just sent an email to the Department of Natural Resources there in Utah, we'll see what they say. The no swim deck legislation is pretty common and has passed in CA and other states recently. But the 20 foot rule is a deviation from the NASBLA model law...so I'd be interested in knowing what's going on.

[race fan]

Here in CA. The origional law that was proposed included the 20ft rule also. But the law that passed did not include it. Some of the boating lawmen dont realize that it was not included and still pull us over for it. Now I carry a copy of the law with me in the boat. I sure hope what was reported was just a draft of the law and they dont ban it for you. That would suck.

[Surfdad]

Yeah, the current version of the NASBLA model law was revised to reflect deletion of the 20 foot rule. It sounds like they are reporting an adoption of the NON-revised NASBLA Model law, which would suck.

[LovinPowell]

I called them and spoke to someone who answered the phone, I mentioned the law as the one that dealt with carbon monoxide and she seemed to know about it but couldn't tell me of it's origin or anything else. She gave me the name of someone who should know but he wasn't in today. I know my local legislator and am prepared to call him, but before I do, I would like to study up on some facts so that I sound like I know what I'm talking about.

Any advice would be appreciated. Where could I find NASBLA references?

Since Lake Powell seems to be a popular destination among Tige owners, I would think that this could affect quite a number of us. But for those of us that live here, especially me, this is devastating.

[race fan]

try searching the web under teak surfing. Its where I found it for California.

[Surfdad]

Finally found the text of the law:

http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/b...0715/28826.htm

There is a provision that says no towing a NON-STANDING person within 20 feet, so you're good in Utah.

[race fan]

or check under nasbla law

[race fan]

Way to go Surfdad.

[NICKYPOO]

Standing or non-standing?

[LovinPowell]

It's scary to think how the "water cops" might interpret this law.

Thanks Surfdad and Race Fan, in my panic I was unable to find what I needed so fast. You have made my day much better now.

I have called our local news station and informed them that their broadcasted piece is very misleading. They will clarify it on the internet and run a correction on the news tonight.

Whey, that was a close call.

[LovinPowell]

I'm also going to print out the law, laminate it and carry it with my registration and proof of insurance.

[LovinPowell]

I emailed a couple of pictures (including NICKYPOO's from above) to the powers that be in the State Parks and recreation, asking for clarification and this was there response:

The sports of wake surfing and wake skating have not been prohibited in Utah. Below is the text of the rule. As long as the person is in an upright position while being towed within 20 feet of a boat--there are no restrictions.
R651-224-2. Unlawful methods of towing
No person shall operate a motorboat or have the engine of a motorboat run idle while a person is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim ladder of the motorboat or while a person is being towed in a non-standing position within 20 feet of the vessel. These restrictions do not apply when a person is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim ladder while assisting with the docking or departure of the motorboat, while exiting or entering the motorboat, or when a motorboat is engaged in law enforcement activity.

In your photo it does appear the man sitting on the stern would be in violation of our "riding on unauthorized portions" of the boat law.

73-18-15.1(12) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (12)(b), the operator of a motorboat that is less than 65 feet in length may not exceed a wakeless speed while any person is riding upon the bow decking, gunwales, transom, seatbacks, or motor cover.

Please let me know if you have any questions,

Dave Harris
Boating Program Coordinator
Utah State Parks and Recreation

Don't worry NICKYPOO, I didn't tell them where to find you to send the ticket.

[dogbert]

So, if you're not using the rope, then you're good no matter what position you're in as long as you're not holding onto the swim platform.

BTW, get an FAE if you don't have one. Then you can laminate the CO study and show it to law enforcement if they give you any grief. I've actually had a couple of them stop and look at my boat. They gave me a thumbs up as they drove away.

[LovinPowell]

Definately thinking about getting an FAE, waiting for Talltigeguy to install his so that I can learn from his mistakes.