It's the Law: On the Water

In addition to the laws mentioned previously, here are some other South Dakota regulations that apply when vessel operators are on the water.

Unlawful Operation

South Dakota law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

• Reckless Operation of a vessel is operating in a negligent manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person.
• Careless Operation of a vessel is operating in a way that creates undue hazard to others. Examples of careless operation include:
  
  • Operating in such a way that creates an undue hazard to other boats, swimmers, and persons on shore by its wash or wake.
  • Operating at speeds that are unreasonable for the time, place, and surrounding conditions.
  • Operating at unreasonable speeds or water-skiing in harbors, near bathing beaches, docks, landings, piers, anchorages, anchored boats, or fishing boats. Speed is reasonable when it does not create an undue hazard or cause damage to others.
• Insufficient Equipment is operating a vessel that does not have on board the equipment required by South Dakota law (see Required Equipment Checklist).