R12-4-524. Towed Water Sports

A. An operator of a watercraft shall ensure an observer is on duty at all times when a person is being towed behind the watercraft or is surfing a wake created by the watercraft. The observer shall: 1. Be twelve years of age or older; 2. Be physically capable and mentally competent to act as an observer; and 3. Continually observe the person or persons being towed behind the watercraft or surfing a wake created by the watercraft. B. The operator of a watercraft shall ensure a person being towed behind the watercraft or riding a wake created by the watercraft is wearing a wearable personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard whenever the watercraft is underway. This subsection applies to any contrivance designed for or used to tow a person behind a watercraft or ride the wake created by a watercraft regardless of whether or not the contrivance is attached to the watercraft. This includes, but is not limited to, boards, discs, hydrofoils, kites, inflatables, and water skis. C. A person shall not operate a watercraft while a person is holding onto or is physically attached to any transom structure of the watercraft, including but not limited to a swim platform, swim deck, swim step, and swim ladder. This subsection does not apply to a person who is: 1. Assisting with docking or departure activities, 2. Exiting or entering the watercraft, or 3. Engaging in law enforcement or emergency rescue activity.