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Course Outline

PWC jumping wake of a boat; prohibited sign on the image

It is illegal to operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise or when conditions are classified as restricted visibility. The installation of an after-market light kit does not allow you to operate a PWC at night legally.

You may not operate a PWC within 500 feet of a designated swim area. If a launch area exists within the 500-foot exclusion area, a PWC may access and exit at no more than 10 mph.

A PWC may not be operated at greater than 5 mph within 100 feet of a shoreline, dock, raft, or anchored boat.

Reckless operation of PWC is strictly prohibited. Some examples of such operation are:

  • Jumping a wake too close to other vessels or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
  • Weaving through congested traffic
  • Swerving at the last minute to avoid a collision (playing “chicken”)
  • Carrying more passengers than is recommended by the manufacturer
  • Making any other maneuver that unreasonably or unnecessarily endangers life, limb, or property
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