23-2-531 . Personal watercraft operation. In addition to applicable provisions in this part, a person may not operate a personal watercraft: (1) unless a person operating or riding on the vessel is wearing a United States coast guard approved type of personal flotation device; (2) if the vessel is equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch unless the lanyard is attached to the operator's person, clothing, or personal flotation device as is appropriate for the specific vessel; (3) (a) except as provided for standup personal watercraft in subsection (3)(b) or when towing a waterskier from or to a dock or shore, at greater than no-wake speed within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, swimming raft, nonmotorized boat, or anchored vessel on a lake or river; (b) at greater than the minimum speed necessary to operate a personal watercraft when leaving or returning directly from or to a dock or shore for the purpose of launching or docking; or (4) on any surface waters restricted in whole or in part by rule of the fish and wildlife commission; (5) in a reckless or negligent manner. Actions prohibited in 23-2-523 are considered reckless operation.
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