Reckless Operation
![People swimming in the area designated for swimming; buoy says Swim Area.](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1631/attachments/original/buoy-swim-area.jpg?1507567945)
New York law prohibits reckless operation of a vessel.
Reckless Operation of a vessel is that which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the navigable waters of the state or unreasonably endangers any other vessel or person. When operating a vessel, including a PWC, it is illegal to act in a way which disregards the safety of yourself and/or others, including:
- Jumping the wake of another vessel too close to that vessel
- Following too close to another vessel
- Operating too close to swimmers or divers
- Weaving through congested traffic
- Swerving at the last minute to avoid a collision
- Overloading the vessel beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer