jet ski runs into boat @ needles marina/bridge area

[andybean]

Anyone know anything about this accident on Saturday. We heard a big thump. Did not see the collision. Apparently the jet skier broadsided the boat resulting in the jetskiier propelling across the back of the boat injuring one of the passengers. Police and fire responded. We watched it unfold from across the river. Looked like they took someone away on a stretcher and someone away in handcuffs.

 

[PVHCA]

Anyone know anything about this accident on Saturday. We heard a big thump. Did not see the collision. Apparently the jet skier broadsided the boat resulting in the jetskiier propelling across the back of the boat injuring one of the passengers. Police and fire responded. We watched it unfold from across the river. Looked like they took someone away on a stretcher and someone away in handcuffs.

Sounds like the guy from my old park that got popped for BUI, story I heard was boat hit sea-doo but I'll respond when my buddy who saw it answers me. None the less the guy from my old park got popped for BUI either way.

 

[Advantage 1]

Hope all involved recover.

 

[Blackhawk15]

We didn't see it happen but apparently from what we heard the boat hit the seadoo. Both people in the boat were arrested,,the driver for BUI and his wife for interfering in a police investigation. Heard one of the people on the seadoo had a leg injury and went to the hospital. Could have been a lot worse.

 

[PVHCA]

So from what I'm hearing by others that live in my old park and the same park where the driver of the boat is from is that the sea-doo hit him, he was BUI so he got popped, his wife was like WTF, guy hits us and my husband is fucked, they detained her for awhile, allegedly for a wrong ID but that part is shady at best. Hope too hear from an eye witness to clear it up.

 

[andybean]

We heard the impact never saw it. Took the driver a good 300 yards to stop. Then the old driver switch to the wife/girlfriend. The police were there for hours on the beach. Meanwhile the boat is taking on major water on the beach. Ass end was near underwater. I heard from someone at the park, the jetskier hit the boat on the side, flew across the rear of the boat and struck a passenger in the boat. I heard the passenger was airlifted to Vegas. Apparently both the male boat driver and the female driver were taken to jail. Meanwhile his daughter is taken to the hospital and his boat sinks. Poor guy just driving along having a nice cruise. Jet ski hits you, you and the wife go to jail, boat sinks, kid goes to the hospital. The damage to the boat was clearly on the side. No way the boat hits the jet ski. Appears the jet ski broadsided the boat.

 

[pronstar]

Hopefully everyone recovers alright from this.

I'm sure one our resident LEO's will correct me if I'm mistaken...
Sounds like DUI on public streets. Even if you aren't technically at fault, the fact that you are intoxicated puts the blame on you for being behind the wheel in the first place.

 

[wishiknew]

We heard the impact never saw it. Took the driver a good 300 yards to stop. Then the old driver switch to the wife/girlfriend. The police were there for hours on the beach. Meanwhile the boat is taking on major water on the beach. Ass end was near underwater. I heard from someone at the park, the jetskier hit the boat on the side, flew across the rear of the boat and struck a passenger in the boat. I heard the passenger was airlifted to Vegas. Apparently both the male boat driver and the female driver were taken to jail. Meanwhile his daughter is taken to the hospital and his boat sinks. Poor guy just driving along having a nice cruise. Jet ski hits you, you and the wife go to jail, boat sinks, kid goes to the hospital. The damage to the boat was clearly on the side. No way the boat hits the jet ski. Appears the jet ski broadsided the boat.

Sounds about right never blame a jetskier . :yikes

 

[Abc123]

Sucks to hear.

I'm so glad I stayed home ever holiday weekend this year. It was my 1st year doing this. I needed a break from fighting the crowds, dodging fucktards and feeling paranoia with all the law enforcement out there.

 

[rivermobster]

We heard the impact never saw it. Took the driver a good 300 yards to stop. Then the old driver switch to the wife/girlfriend. The police were there for hours on the beach. Meanwhile the boat is taking on major water on the beach. Ass end was near underwater. I heard from someone at the park, the jetskier hit the boat on the side, flew across the rear of the boat and struck a passenger in the boat. I heard the passenger was airlifted to Vegas. Apparently both the male boat driver and the female driver were taken to jail. Meanwhile his daughter is taken to the hospital and his boat sinks. Poor guy just driving along having a nice cruise. Jet ski hits you, you and the wife go to jail, boat sinks, kid goes to the hospital. The damage to the boat was clearly on the side. No way the boat hits the jet ski. Appears the jet ski broadsided the boat.

And this is why I will never go to the river on any holiday weekend.

Even minding your own business, you can get fucked six ways to Sunday.

Hope all the people end up ok. [emoji20]

 

[PVHCA]

We heard the impact never saw it. Took the driver a good 300 yards to stop. Then the old driver switch to the wife/girlfriend. The police were there for hours on the beach. Meanwhile the boat is taking on major water on the beach. Ass end was near underwater. I heard from someone at the park, the jetskier hit the boat on the side, flew across the rear of the boat and struck a passenger in the boat. I heard the passenger was airlifted to Vegas. Apparently both the male boat driver and the female driver were taken to jail. Meanwhile his daughter is taken to the hospital and his boat sinks. Poor guy just driving along having a nice cruise. Jet ski hits you, you and the wife go to jail, boat sinks, kid goes to the hospital. The damage to the boat was clearly on the side. No way the boat hits the jet ski. Appears the jet ski broadsided the boat.

Some alleged eyewitnesses say he pulled right in front of jet skier, some say jet skier hit him, dunno wasn't there. Just giving the versions that keep trickling in from my old park.

 

[guest hs]

This accident happened right in front of me I was on the beach at Needles marina Park. There were 3 jet skis running down the river. The driver of the Eliminator Eagle was running at a very fast rate of speed passing the jet skis 2 on the right side of him and 1 on the left side of him. When he got next to the jet skis the jet ski on the left turned right into the side of the Eliminator about 4 feet in front of the cockpit. The Eliminator continued about another 300 feet then stopped the driver and passenger swapped seats then went back to the area it happened they pulled up on the beach and the Eliminator sank on the beach. the 2 adults in the Eliminator were arrested there was a small child in the cabin and she was shaken up real bad and hurt. I never did see a helicopter pick anyone up. The accident was clearly the jet skis fault I would have to say the driver of the Eliminator should not have been going that fast between the jet skis but should have went around them you just can trust the drivers of those skis the don't pay attention.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

the 2 adults in the Eliminator were arrested there was a small child in the cabin and she was shaken up real bad and hurt.

They sound like real winners. Glad they were arrested, even if the accident wasn't their fault.

 

[Ziggy]

It's refreshing to hear it from someone that actually witnessed it. Thanks:thumbup:

 

[Blackhawk15]

It's refreshing to hear it from someone that actually witnessed it. Thanks:thumbup:

Agree. This makes a lot of sense now. I was just hearing pieces of information from people in the park.

 

[BoatCop]

Basing this only on the last eyewitness description of the collision and applying rules of the road:

Any vessel that is overtaking (passing) a slower vessel has to stay clear of the slower vessel and is responsible for any collision until fully past the slower vessel. Here's the rule direct from COLREGS:

RULE 13

Overtaking

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in Rules 4 through 18, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

(b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam; that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly. (d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.




Essentially a faster vessel is responsible for any collision between themselves and any vessel they are overtaking (passing).

 

[crzy2bealive]

Glad I didn't go!

 

[PVHCA]

Good to hear from an eye witness, the peeps from my old park had kinda a close version, either way driving drunk, too fast n especially in that area that's always got tons of pwc isn't real smart.

 

[CampbellCarl]

Basing this only on the last eyewitness description of the collision and applying rules of the road:

Any vessel that is overtaking (passing) a slower vessel has to stay clear of the slower vessel and is responsible for any collision until fully past the slower vessel. Here's the rule direct from COLREGS:

RULE 13

Overtaking

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in Rules 4 through 18, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

(b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam; that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly. (d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.




Essentially a faster vessel is responsible for any collision between themselves and any vessel they are overtaking (passing).

So, If your boat and mine are going in a staight line (lets say North along the river) and you're cruising at 35 mph and I come along at 36 mph, I gain your attention and indicate that I'm going to overtake you on your port (my starboard).......as I pass you (swiftly at +1 mph), you turn to port and ram my vessel at midship.....it's my fault?

Really?

 

[BoatCop]

So, If your boat and mine are going in a staight line (lets say North along the river) and you're cruising at 35 mph and I come along at 36 mph, I gain your attention and indicate that I'm going to overtake you on your port (my starboard).......as I pass you (swiftly at +1 mph), you turn to port and ram my vessel at midship.....it's my fault?

Really?

That's the rule AKA the law.

If you are overtaking a PWC and, just as you get up to him, he decides to turn in front of you and you run him over, it's YOUR fault.

Not real smart for him to do so. but according to Federal Navigation Rules he has the right of way.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

That's the rule AKA the law.

If you are overtaking a PWC and, just as you get up to him, he decides to turn in front of you and you run him over, it's YOUR fault.

Not real smart for him to do so. but according to Federal Navigation Rules he has the right of way.

Please don't take this as arguing but more of a question. Now I'd certainly bet it would look like the overtaking vessel would be at fault but the 35 mph boat is a stand on vessel. So let's just say the officer, DA, judge and jury actually saw the whole thing somehow wouldn't the stand on vessel be at fault for not holding their line and speed?

Just a question. I'd see it as at least partial fault. While they shouldn't alter speed I'd certainly give enough room as the overtaking vessel as the stand on may need to alter course to avoid peril.

Just want to understand correctly.

 

[DC-88]

I've always told both my boys on the river even when you're driving a fast boat if you come upon a group of sea doos or some idiot dragging his most prized items in the world behind his boat on a tube back and forth in front of traffic etc. and it doesn't feel right just look behind you and shut it down, or at least slow way down. It's just not worth the gamble and many similar accidents have happened there before

 

[Blackhawk15]

Good to hear from an eye witness, the peeps from my old park had kinda a close version, either way driving drunk, too fast n especially in that area that's always got tons of pwc isn't real smart.

We may be talking to the same people. My in laws have a place in the park.

 

[Paul65k]

This is a bad situation all around......which is why I adopted a new attitude in the last 2 years of ZERO alcohol ingested PERIOD if I am captain that day......as evidenced here guy turns into you and you end up in jail.....no bueno!!

 

[77charger]

I've always told both my boys on the river even when you're driving a fast boat if you come upon a group of sea doos or some idiot dragging his most prized items in the world behind his boat on a tube back and forth in front of traffic etc. and it doesn't feel right just look behind you and shut it down, or at least slow way down. It's just not worth the gamble and many similar accidents have happened there before

couple of weeks ago i was going about 35-40 and came up on a younger person on a sea doo.I had a feeling she would dart to the side(she was zig zagging and not looking back) so i slowed way down and fell back sure as shit she swung left to cut across river.I,ve just learned to stay way back form them and never pass them close.I also dont care to pass other boats closely either.

 

[was thatguy]

Passing people scares the shit out of me. I just KNOW they are going to turn into me.

I will cruise for a long way off their flank until I have about three times the room I think I need.

I can't imagine the stress on the river when crowded...I have an entire lake to do it in, although it gets cramped when the water is as low as it is now.

 

[PVHCA]

We may be talking to the same people. My in laws have a place in the park.

I have a lot of friends in the Palms, I'd imagine I've met your in-laws before.

 

[dread Pirate]

Passing people scares the shit out of me. I just KNOW they are going to turn into me.

I will cruise for a long way off their flank until I have about three times the room I think I need.

I can't imagine the stress on the river when crowded...I have an entire lake to do it in, although it gets cramped when the water is as low as it is now.

Boating on Parker is WAY different than what we are used to.

 

[andybean]

I'm sure the post pertaining to how the law reads is correct. But I'm sorry it just defies common sense when it comes to jet skis. There needs to be a law that addresses dumb fu_k jet skiers that crank right or left without clearing the area. Now I have two skis and 3 kids that ride them. There is a learning curve involved in teaching folks how to operate these. These accidents where a jet ski turns into a boat almost always involve renters or inexperienced jet skiers. As a responsible boater we have to always expect that that jet skier that we are passing is going to make a hard turn right in front of you. That's just prudent. Not saying it should be that way. But just fact.

 

[wishiknew]

This is a bad situation all around......which is why I adopted a new attitude in the last 2 years of ZERO alcohol ingested PERIOD if I am captain that day......as evidenced here guy turns into you and you end up in jail.....no bueno!!

This is a very good post !! Thank You:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[t&y]

This is a bad situation all around......which is why I adopted a new attitude in the last 2 years of ZERO alcohol ingested PERIOD if I am captain that day......as evidenced here guy turns into you and you end up in jail.....no bueno!!

This is a good rule to follow, can't say I do 100% on my boat, but I can say the rate I drink a beer out there rarely even gets me buzzed.

However, there is a bit more to the story regarding the driver of the eliminator based on what has been said here. They continued well past the point of impact and made a choice to switch driver and passenger, before returning to the scene. This is apparently after a serious impact with a PWC and they still drove off, then switched. Gives us all a good view of their character and morals. I feel bad for their daughter that was hurt, but as for the mom and dad, they get what's coming to them.

 

[Boat 405]

We heard the impact never saw it. Took the driver a good 300 yards to stop. Then the old driver switch to the wife/girlfriend. Apparently both the male boat driver and the female driver were taken to jail. Meanwhile his daughter is taken to the hospital and his boat sinks. Poor guy just driving along having a nice cruise. Jet ski hits you, you and the wife go to jail, boat sinks, kid goes to the hospital. The damage to the boat was clearly on the side.

Pity for the guy in the boat???? Wtf he had enough were with all to change drivers knowing he was BUI. "poor guy just driving along having a nice cruise". LOL umm yeah, no....

How about DON'T FUCKING DRINK AND DRIVE. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes..... How hard is it for many of you assholes to not drink while using your boat? Many of us have boats that go well over 100 on any given day, some of which require a bit of skill to do so and you voluntarily add alcohol into the mix. Survival of the fittest....

I avoid holiday weekends now like the plague. Years ago, cool. Now, no way.

 

[andybean]

I was sitting on the river bank at the point he made the decision to finally turn around. Yes he went well past the point of impact. It was very strange. There was no urgency to getting back to the scene of the accident. The driver seemed more interested in the damage to his boat. We had no idea there was another passenger in the boat that had been injured. Very strange. I would be throwing an awfully big rock in an awfully big glass house if I said that I have never drank beer and run up and down that river. But times they have changed. No Mas! Too many people on the river anymore. Especially on holiday weekends. It's simple. Don't drink and drive.

 

[headshothills]

One of my adopted rules I use when boating is the same rules I use when riding my street bike, or technically any other vehicle for that matter, its just more in tune when I do... Defensive Driving... Shouldnt matter what you are driving or riding, if you are in control, you should be in defensive driver mode at all time....

What is defensive driver mode - The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others."[1] This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course. It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others.

In a nutshell, I always drive/ride with the mentality of trying to anticipate what someone else "Might" do, and try to remove myself from being in that situation, or give myself enough safety time to react IF the other person did someone I expected...

Its mentally draining to say the least, constantly drive/ride this way, but it has saved my ass numerous times...

 

[rivermobster]

One of my adopted rules I use when boating is the same rules I use when riding my street bike, or technically any other vehicle for that matter, its just more in tune when I do... Defensive Driving... Shouldnt matter what you are driving or riding, if you are in control, you should be in defensive driver mode at all time....

What is defensive driver mode - The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others."[1] This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course. It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others.

In a nutshell, I always drive/ride with the mentality of trying to anticipate what someone else "Might" do, and try to remove myself from being in that situation, or give myself enough safety time to react IF the other person did someone I expected...

Its mentally draining to say the least, constantly drive/ride this way, but it has saved my ass numerous times...

This right here is the definition of common sense. It's exactly how I think when I'm riding on the street, my quads, my boat or my car. There is no point in trying to be in the right, when the real goal is to get home with no issues!

:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[RiverDave]

So, If your boat and mine are going in a staight line (lets say North along the river) and you're cruising at 35 mph and I come along at 36 mph, I gain your attention and indicate that I'm going to overtake you on your port (my starboard).......as I pass you (swiftly at +1 mph), you turn to port and ram my vessel at midship.....it's my fault?

Really?

Yes

This is a bad situation all around......which is why I adopted a new attitude in the last 2 years of ZERO alcohol ingested PERIOD if I am captain that day......as evidenced here guy turns into you and you end up in jail.....no bueno!!

Alcohol aside, if some jetskier darwins into the side of your boat you might end up going to jail anyways.. You have to be extremely vigilant about them and there never ending zig zags..

RD

 

[Activated]

I almost took out a jet ski this weekend. Jet ski is idiling or barely under power in the middle of the river as I come around a bend, all I see is a guys back on the ski. I immediately lift and wait to see which direction he is going to go or if he is staying put as I pass.

He goes left and is about 100 yards in front of me, I go as far right as I can and start to pick up some speed. Keep in mind it is a jet bote, so speed is a relative term. As I start to pull closer to him and he is still on the far left of the river, the ski makes a hard right cutting completely across the river.

I have been watching the ski the entire time expecting the worst...as usual and so I lifted again and missed broad siding the ski by 10 or 15 feet. As they cross my bow I notice a kid about 8 or so is actually driving the ski and his dad(I assume) was on the back "helping." The dad started yelling at his kid and all I could think was you should be yelling at yourself.

I didn't even bother saying anything, at that point what good would it do except probably have the guy start yelling at me. My wife gave me a hug when we stopped to float further down the river...she was still a little shocked at how close it was.

 

[BoatCop]

Several years ago it was proposed to issue special rules for PWCs, as they are much more maneuverable than traditional boats. After hearings, lobbying, discussions, research, comments, etc. the idea was scrapped as it would open the door to special rules for every subset of boats and ships. It was decided to leave them as they are and stress education to boaters.

I would have to say that I have many times more hours wheel time as most, if not all, posters on this forum and quite a bit more than that of the average boater. After all it's been my JOB for nearly 40 years. And on my days off what am I doing? Usually boating. You would think that the law of averages would catch up with me and I'd have been in at least a few close calls, if not a collision or two.

Well. it hasn't happened.

Why not?

1. I don't drink, so I am always at 100%.
2. I know the rules of the road, abide by them, but don't INSIST on them. (Most others DON'T know the Rules)
3. My head is constantly on a swivel, so I know what's going on all around me, all the time.
4. When I see another boat, and particularly a PWC, anywhere within 100 yards of my boat, I expect them to turn in front of me. One hand on the wheel, the other on the throttle. That way when they inevitably DO turn in front of me, I'm prepared to take whatever action necessary to avoid them.

While some of you may think that being like that takes the "relaxation" and fun out of boating, that's not the case. I've been like that for so long, it's second nature to me.

 

[bripar77]

Well said Boatcop. I agree 100% , No drink at all until the boat is put away, always expect the PWC to do the unexpected because they will in most cases. I bet I have avoided collisions with Bozo PWC drivers at least 20 or 30 times in my years because I just plane backed off or didn't pass until I knew they could not swerve into my path. Had my Skater doing 20 mph on several occasions until it was clear. This guy could have easily killed the PWC driver or somebody in his boat. He should get the book thrown at him. Maybe he would learn or maybe he wouldn't be able to afford to go boating anymore.

 

[headshothills]

Drinking is overrated... Unless 28Eliminator brings his wife Terri with Syringe Jello Shots...

 

[nowski]

There are 2 good alternatives for having a beer while on the water. Becks N/A and St. Pauli Girl N/A. Nothing like having a good beer and not get in trouble with the law or some other dumbass on the water...

 

[nowski]

I don't know if anyone remembers a horrific accident that happened in that same area about 15 to 20 years ago. A guy was anchored in that area fishing having a cold one on his pontoon boat and 2 young girls (about 14 to 16 years old) ran into his boat while on their Sea-Do. Both girls died while a guy was just minding his own business... This could happen to anyone of us so you may want to think twice before grabbing that cold one...

 

[here comes whitey]

Can you get an OUI on a paddle board? I know once you introduce a paddle it becomes a vessel and a life jacket is required.

 

[PVHCA]

I don't know if anyone remembers a horrific accident that happened in that same area about 15 to 20 years ago. A guy was anchored in that area fishing having a cold one on his pontoon boat and 2 young girls (about 14 to 16 years old) ran into his boat while on their Sea-Do. Both girls died while a guy was just minding his own business... This could happen to anyone of us so you may want to think twice before grabbing that cold one...

What did the beer have to do with this unfortunate accident? What if it was a 7-UP?

 

[nowski]

What did the beer have to do with this unfortunate accident? What if it was a 7-UP?

For starters the guy was over the legal limit. So do you think they just let this guy go without arresting him? Kinda like sitting in car drunk with the engine off keys in the ignition just listening to the radio, can you get arrested for D.U.I.???

 

[BoatCop]

Can you get an OUI on a paddle board? I know once you introduce a paddle it becomes a vessel and a life jacket is required.

Arizona OUI laws apply only to motorized vessels. CA law applies to all vessels. So by CA law, yes. A drunk on a paddleboard is subject to CA OUI laws.

And just for discussion's sake, CA OUI laws also apply to someone on water skis (or similar contrivances, eg wakeboards, innertubes, etc)

For starters the guy was over the legal limit. So do you think they just let this guy go without arresting him? Kinda like sitting in car drunk with the engine off keys in the ignition just listening to the radio, can you get arrested for D.U.I.???

In nearly all jurisdictions the OUI laws applies to vessels UNDERWAY.

UNDERWAY means not moored, anchored or aground. If the boat was drifting and not under power, it would still be UNDERWAY.

If someone was arrested and charged for OUI on an anchored boat, the case would most likely get thrown out.*

* This is in MOST jurisdictions. There may be SOME (although I'm not aware of any) where they may consider an anchored/occupied boat as being under "actual physical control". Realize that I'm not up on every state's/jurisdiction's laws.

 

[Deja_Vu]

There is some good info here..much appreciated.
I ride a sport bike as well and ride defensively like I do when I operate any motor vehicle.
Just because its your "Right" of way doesnt mean you want to force the issue. Cooler heads prevail...

You want to be "Right" but not "Dead Right"! :thumbsup

 

[PVHCA]

For starters the guy was over the legal limit. So do you think they just let this guy go without arresting him? Kinda like sitting in car drunk with the engine off keys in the ignition just listening to the radio, can you get arrested for D.U.I.???

How bout for starters you mention that bit of information, you seemed to have left that part out of your original response which is why I asked the question.

 

[hallett21]

Arizona OUI laws apply only to motorized vessels. CA law applies to all vessels. So by CA law, yes. A drunk on a paddleboard is subject to CA OUI laws.

And just for discussion's sake, CA OUI laws also apply to someone on water skis (or similar contrivances, eg wakeboards, innertubes, etc)




In nearly all jurisdictions the OUI laws applies to vessels UNDERWAY.

UNDERWAY means not moored, anchored or aground. If the boat was drifting and not under power, it would still be UNDERWAY.

If someone was arrested and charged for OUI on an anchored boat, the case would most likely get thrown out.*

* This is in MOST jurisdictions. There may be SOME (although I'm not aware of any) where they may consider an anchored/occupied boat as being under "actual physical control". Realize that I'm not up on every state's/jurisdiction's laws.

So waterskiing at .09 bac in CA is the same as driving a boat at .09?

 

[BoatCop]

So waterskiing at .09 bac in CA is the same as driving a boat at .09?

Yes it is.

655. (a) No person shall use any vessel or manipulate water skis,
an aquaplane, or a similar device in a reckless or negligent manner
so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The
department shall adopt regulations for the use of vessels, water
skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices in a manner that will minimize
the danger to life, limb, or property consistent with reasonable use
of the equipment for the purpose for which it was designed.

(b) No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate water skis,
an aquaplane, or a similar device while under the influence of an
alcoholic beverage, any drug, or the combined influence of an
alcoholic beverage and any drug.

(c) No person shall operate any recreational vessel or manipulate
any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device if the person has an
alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more in his or her blood.

Definitions:

651 (ab) "Water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device" includes all
forms of water skiing, barefoot skiing, skiing on skim boards, knee
boards, or other contrivances, parasailing, ski kiting, or any
activity where a person is towed behind or alongside a boat.