(a) Any person who operates any vessel or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device on the waters of Lorain carelessly or heedlessly, or in disregard of the rights of safety of any person, vessel, or property, or without due caution, at a rate of speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person, vessel, or property is guilty of reckless operation of the vessel or other device.
(b) No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel in an unsafe manner. A vessel shall be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times.
“Unsafe vessel operation” includes, without limitation, any of the following:
(1) A vessel becoming airborne or completely leaving the water while crossing the wake of another vessel at a distance of less than 100 feet, or at an unsafe distance, from the vessel creating the wake;
(2) Operating at such a speed and proximity to another vessel or to a person attempting to ride on one or more water skis, surfboard, inflatable device, or similar device being towed by a vessel so as to require the operator of either vessel to swerve or turn abruptly to avoid collision;
(3) Operating less than 200 feet directly behind a person water skiing or attempting to water ski;
(4) Weaving through congested traffic.
(Ord. 88-98. Passed 5-4-98.)
(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense; on the violation of this section within one year of the first violation, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 52-00. Passed 4-3-00.)