It's the Law: On the Water

In addition to the laws mentioned previously, here are other Arkansas regulations that apply when on the water.

Unlawful Operation

Arkansas law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

Reckless Operation of any motorboat or other vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, an aquaplane, or other device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of reckless operation are:

• Weaving through congested waterway traffic
• Operating within 100 ft. of a towboat that is underway
• Jumping the wake of another vessel too close to that vessel or when visibility is obstructed
• Swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision
• Chasing or harassing wildlife with a vessel

Negligent Operation is operating a vessel in a negligent manner, such as:

• Not paying attention to the operation of the vessel
• Failing to keep a proper lookout
• Failing to observe the navigation rules
• Colliding with another vessel or object
• Operating a vessel equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch without attaching the lanyard to your person, clothing, or PFD

Remember—vessel owners are responsible ...
As an owner or lessee of a vessel, you are responsible for any injury or damage caused by the negligent operation of your vessel by others you knowingly allow to operate it. It will be assumed that you have given consent if your vessel is operated by an immediate family member.

Grossly Negligent Operation is operating a vessel or manipulating water skis, an aquaplane, or other device in a manner that results in serious injury or death.

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate a vessel:

• In a manner or at a speed that exceeds the safe and reasonable limits under existing circumstances
• At greater than "slow, no wake speed" in any posted "no wake" zone

"Slow, No Wake Speed"—Speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed 5 miles per hour

• At a rate of speed that creates a hazardous wash or wake on approaching or passing vessels; for example, a wake that causes other vessels to take on water or a wake sufficient to toss occupants of other vessels about in a manner to cause injury or the risk of injury
• At greater than "no wake speed" (5 mph) within 100 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, anchored vessel, dam, intake structure, or other obstruction unless a different speed limit has been established in the area

Overloading or Overpowering is loading or powering the vessel beyond the recommended carrying capacity or horsepower shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel's manufacturer. Also, it is illegal to load a vessel without a capacity plate in a manner that is unsafe or that results in the vessel sinking or capsizing.

Riding on the Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride or sit on the gunwales or on the decking over the bow while underway on a motorboat 26 ft. or less in length, unless the motorboat is equipped with adequate guards or railing to prevent falls overboard.