Personal Watercraft Laws in Kansas
Temperatures are high throughout Kansas and people are seeking relief from the heat in our state’s wonderful lakes and rivers. One of the most thrilling ways to enjoy Kansas waters is by riding a personal watercraft (PWC). While these vehicles can be tremendous fun, they can also be tremendously dangerous. To help you and your family stay safe on the water, the Kansas personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group explain personal watercraft laws in Kansas and basic safety tips.
What Is a Personal Watercraft?
Personal watercrafts are small vehicles that are like the motorcycles of the water; they offer high speeds, slick maneuverability, and open-air excitement. Some people know them by the name brands Kawasaki Jet Ski, Sea Doo, and Yamaha WaveRunner. Similar to motorcycles, personal watercraft come in a variety of sizes. Some allow for one standing driver, while others allow for one or more seated occupants.
List of Personal Watercraft Laws in Kansas
People that want to operate personal watercraft must meet certain requirements and follow rules, just like car drivers and motorcycle drivers. These rules and regulations are for the driver’s safety and the safety of others in the water. The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) lists the following requirements:
- Every person on board a PWC is required to wear a Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V USCG approved flotation device. Inflatable life jackets are not allowed.
- Each person operating a PWC equipped with a lanyard engine cut-off shall attach the lanyard to the operator’s person, clothing, or life jacket.
- PWCs are not legal to operate between sunset and sunrise.
- PWC shall be operated at no wake speeds (5 mph or less) within 200 feet of any dock, boat ramp, swimmer, bridge, moored or anchored boats, sewage pump-out facilities, a boat storage facility, concessionaire’s facility, or non-motorized watercraft.
- A person shall not operate a PWC unless facing forward.
- If you use a PWC to tow a skier or person on a tube, the PWC has to be equipped with mirrors or you will need a spotter over the age of 12. The person being towed counts towards the capacity of the PWC. (If you have a spotter and are pulling one person, you would need a PWC rated for three (3) people.)
- Maneuvers which unreasonably endanger others are not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, wake jumping and weaving through vessel traffic.
The agency also notes that personal watercrafts are “Class A boats and must comply with all boating laws, registration procedures, operation and equipment requirements in addition to the regulations specific to PWCs. Any person between the ages of 12 and 20 who wishes to operate a PWC without being under direct and audible supervision must complete an approved boater education course.”
Personal Watercraft Safety Tips
Personal watercraft accidents tend to be severe, since the vehicles travel at fast speeds and the occupants are mostly unprotected. Unlike motor vehicle accidents, people that get into a PWC crash are in danger of drowning, as well as bodily harm from crash impact.
The good news is that the majority of PWC collisions are avoidable through simple safety measures. In addition to obeying all person watercraft laws in Kansas, the personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group recommend the following:
- Always use a life jacket: Under personal watercraft laws in Kansas, drivers and passengers are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket. A proper life vest can save your life and allow you to help those in danger.
- Be a smart operator: Take a Kansas boater education course to understand PWC handling, navigation rules, and safe operation.
- Don’t drive while intoxicated: Never operate a PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Dress for the ride: Wear protective gear like sunglasses and water shoes. Sunglasses will help you monitor your surroundings and water shoes can assist with vehicle control.
- Respect the power: Many PWCs have powerful engines. If you’re new to PWCs, then start slowly, familiarize yourself with the controls, and avoid exceeding capacity limits.
- Be predictable: Maintain a safe distance from other boaters, swimmers, and obstacles. Signal turns with your arms and avoid erratic maneuvers.
- Check the weather: Check local forecasts before hitting the water and avoid riding in storms or windy conditions that cause rough water.
- Use a safety lanyard: Most PWC have a lanyard that can be attached to your wrist or life jacket to shut off the engine if you fall off. This safety feature can help make sure that your PWC remains close to you if you fall off and prevent it from hitting other people on the water.
- Keep a lookout: Stay alert for hazards like swimmers, obstacles, and other watercraft. Blind spots exist, so look around often.
Contact a Kansas Injury Attorney
The team at Patterson Legal Group hopes that you found this blog on personal watercraft laws in Kansas useful. Please share this information with PWC owners that you know to help keep them safe. Should you suffer injuries in a PWC crash caused by another party, then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group for a free consultation by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through our encrypted contact form or connecting with our LiveChat agents.
Our team of experienced trial lawyers has recovered more than $250-million in settlements for injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Remember, we work under a “no win, no fee” promise, so you will not pay a dime unless a settlement has been recovered on your behalf. Reach out to Patterson Legal Group today and take the first step towards the settlement that you deserve.
