It's The Law: Specifically for PWCs

Requirements Specific to PWCs

• Each person riding on a PWC must wear a USCG—approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device that is properly fitted and fastened.
• PWCs must be equipped with a fully operational self-circling device or a lanyard-type ignition safety switch. If a safety switch is used, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's person, clothing, or PFD.
• PWCs may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
• A PWC, operating at more than idle speed, may not run around, ride or jump the wake of, or be within 100 feet of another moving boat or PWC unless it is overtaking the other boat in compliance with the rules for encountering other boats. When a PWC is overtaking another boat, it must not change course to ride or jump the wake of the boat being overtaken.
• A PWC must be operated at idle speed if within 100 feet of a vessel not underway or adrift, a dock or pier, a bridge, a person in the water, a shoreline adjacent to a residence, a public park or beach, a swimming area, a marina, a restaurant, or any other public use area.
• It is unlawful for an owner of a PWC to allow anyone else to operate their PWC in such a way that it violates the Georgia Boat Safety Act.
• It is illegal to rent, lease, or let for hire a PWC to a person under the age of 16 years.