It's the Law: On the Water

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

Unlawful Operation

Wisconsin law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

Negligent or Reckless Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of negligent or reckless operation are:

• Jumping the wake of any vessel that is towing a skier, tuber, wakeboarder, etc.
• Operating a vessel within any area marked off or set aside as a prohibited area or a swim area
• Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic
• Operating a vessel in a manner to create hazardous wave or wake conditions while approaching or passing another boat
• Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision
• Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel

Riding on Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride on the bow decking, gunwales, seat backs, or any other position where there is a danger of falling overboard.

Overloading is defined as operating a vessel that has been loaded beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer. The operator must limit the vessel’s load to the total weight or maximum number of persons shown on the capacity plate, whichever is more restrictive.

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

• Operate a vessel at a distance from other vessels or at a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given the waterway traffic, marked speed limits, weather, and other boating conditions
• Exceed the speeds posted or charted in any specific zone or area
• Operate a vessel repeatedly in a circuitous manner within 200 feet of another vessel or person in the water
• Operate a vessel within 100 feet of any dock, raft, pier, or restricted area at greater than “slow, no wake” speed
• Operate a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake” speed on lakes that are 50 acres or less and have public access, unless such lakes serve as thoroughfares between two or more navigable lakes
• Operate within 100 feet of a swimmer

“No Wake Speed” means a speed at which a vessel moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control

Unsafe Condition is placing or leaving in public waters any vessel that is not safe to operate. Law enforcement officers may instruct the operator to take immediate corrective action or return to mooring if any of the following “unsafe conditions” exist

• The vessel is overloaded.
• There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation or navigation lights.
• The vessel is leaking fuel or has fuel in the bilges.