It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs and Skiing

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft.

Requirements for Personal Watercraft (PWCs) (625 ILCS 45/4-1, 625 ILCS 45/4-11, 625 ILCS 45/5-2, 625 ILCS 45/5-18, 625 ILCS 45/5-20)

Every person on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD) that is in good and serviceable condition.

If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.

A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.

A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:

• Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
• Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
• Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and avoid collision