(A) No person shall operate, authorize or knowingly permit the operation of a watercraft upon the waters of Lake Michigan or upon any waterway within the County of Lake:
(1) In such a manner as to disturb or destroy the peace and quiet of others;
(2) Within any area which has been marked by buoys or other distinguishing devices as a restricted area, except in case of emergency or for the purpose of entering or leaving any harbor or launching ramp;
(3) By a person under the age of 16 years unless properly supervised by an adult or as permitted by state law;
(4) Without yielding the right-of-way to any swimmer;
(5) Without complying with all applicable state and federal safety equipment requirements, including the requirements regarding personal flotation devices;
(6) In violation of posted restrictions on wake or speed; or
(7) Unless each occupant of a watercraft used for recreational purposes is wearing an approved personal flotation device as defined in the Boat Registration and Safety Act, codified at 625 ILCS 45/1-1 et seq. as amended. Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to persons who are (1) below deck, or (2) in a totally enclosed cabin space. Provided, further, that this requirement shall not apply to the occupants of (i) any commercial passenger watercraft, (ii) any watercraft used for recreational purposes that is being operated on private property, (iii) any watercraft used for recreational purposes that is docked, or (iv) any watercraft used for recreational purposes that is 21 feet or more in length. For purposes of this division (A)(7), the term WATERCRAFT USED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES mens any vessel, sailboat, recreational boat, personal watercraft or specialty prop-craft as deemed in the Boat Registration and Safety Act, as amended.
(B) No person shall operate a watercraft upon the public waterways of the County of Lake with careless disregard for or indifferent lack of attention to surrounding conditions and circumstances, and/or resulting in to damages to property or in bodily injury to any person.
(Ord. 1333E, passed 3-30-2011) Penalty, see § 103.99