R651.  Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.
R651-224.  Towed Devices.
R651-224-1.  Observer Required.
	The operator of a vessel which is towing a person on water skis or other devices shall be responsible for maintaining a safe course with proper lookout.  Except as provided in 73-18-16, UCA,the progress of the person under tow shall be reported to the vessel operator by the observer.

R651-224-2.  Unlawful Methods of Towing.
	No person shall operate a motorboat or have the engine of a motorboat run idle while a person is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim ladder of the motorboat or while a person is being towed in a non-standing position within 20 feet of the vessel.  These restrictions do not apply when a person is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim ladder while assisting with the docking or departure of the motorboat, while exiting or entering the motorboat, or when a motorboat is engaged in law enforcement activity.

R651-224-3.  Flag Required.
	Except as provided in 73-18-16, UCA the operator of a vessel engaged in a towed watersport shall be responsible for a flag to be displayed by the observer in a visible manner to other boaters in the area only when a person to be towed is in the water, either preparing to be towed or finishing a tow.  The flag shall be international orange at least 12 inches square and mounted on a handle.

R651-224-4.  PFD to be Worn.
	Except as provided in 73-18-16, UCA the operator of a vessel which is towing a person(s) on water skis or other devices shall require each person who is water skiing or using other devices to wear a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD), except an inflatable PFD may not be used.

R651-224-5.  Capacity of Towing Vessel.
	The operator of a vessel which is towing a person(s) on water skis or other devices shall use a vessel with sufficient carrying capacity, as defined by the manufacturer, for the occupant(s) onboard and the person(s) being towed.

R651-224-6.  No Towing in Marinas.
	The operator of a vessel shall not tow a person(s) in or on any towed device within a wakeless area surrounding a developed marina or launch ramp.

KEY:  boating, water skiing
Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment:  April 12, 2013
Notice of Continuation:  January 7, 2016
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  73-18-15