Every person owning or operating any ferryboat or flat which is used on any of the navigable streams of this State or is landed upon soil thereof shall place and provide guards or a railing around the boat or flat so as to protect the lives and property of those using it. Any person violating the provisions of this section, on conviction thereof, shall be liable to a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not exceeding thirty days.