1. A. A person may not:

   1. (1) Operate a vessel while towing a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar device unless:

      1. (a) The operator is 12 years old or older, and
      2. (b) There is an observer who is 12 years old or older or the vessel is equipped with a wide-angle rear-view mirror; and
   2. (2) Engage in water skiing, surf boarding, or similar activity between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

2. B. A person operating a vessel while towing a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar device shall keep 100 feet from:

   1. (1) The shore, wharf, pier, piling, jetty, bridge structure, abutment, or other fixed structure or obstruction;
   2. (2) A person in the water; and
   3. (3) Another vessel.
3. C. The maximum length for a tow rope is 75 feet, except a tow rope of up to 100 feet may be used while towing a barefoot skier.

4. D. A person may not manipulate water skis, a surfboard, or similar device:

   1. (1) In a reckless or negligent manner to endanger the life, limb, or property of others;
   2. (2) With an alcohol concentration in the blood of 0.07 of 1 percent or more as determined by analysis of blood or breath;
   3. (3) Under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance; or
   4. (4) Under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and alcohol.

5. E. A person being towed by a vessel shall wear a personal flotation device. For the purpose of this section, a personal flotation device means a:

   1. (1) Life jacket;
   2. (2) Life vest;
   3. (3) Life preserver;
   4. (4) Barefoot wet suit; or
   5. (5) Trick skiing wet suit.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§8-703.2 and 8-738, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.11 adopted as an emergency provision effective May 15, 1997 (24:12 Md. R. 857); emergency status extended at 24:24 Md. R. 1668 and 25:9 Md. R. 676

Regulations .01—.11 adopted effective May 18, 1998 (25:10 Md. R. 746)