Text of section effective on June 17, 2011

1. (a) All canoes, punts, rowboats, sailboats, and rubber rafts when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown are exempt from all safety equipment requirements except the following:

   1. (1) one Coast Guard approved lifesaving device for each person aboard; and
   2. (2) the lights prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard for class A vessels and required under Section 31.064.
2. (b) Racing shells, rowing sculls, and racing kayaks while participating in or practicing for an officially sanctioned race are exempt from all safety equipment requirements except the lights prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard for class A vessels and required under Section 31.064.

3. (c) In this section, "racing shell," "rowing scull," or "racing kayak" means a manually propelled boat:

   1. (1) recognized by a national or international racing association for use in competitive racing;
   2. (2) not designed or used to carry equipment serving any purpose other than competitive racing; and
   3. (3) in which each occupant, except a coxswain, rows, sculls, or paddles.

Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.

Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 236, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.