UNSAFE PRACTICES
The following acts and maneuvers are considered dangerous illegal while boating in Utah:
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Reckless Operation: No person may operate any vessel, or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
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Negligent Operation of a Vessel by a Minor: The owner of a vessel is liable for any injury or damage caused by the negligent operation of the vessel by a minor under 18 years of age when operating his vessel with the express or implied consent of the owner.
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Riding on the Bow or Other Exterior Parts of a Boat:
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No one may operate a motorboat above a wakeless (idle) speed with passengers or operator sitting on seat backs, bow decking, gunwales, transom, or motor cover unless there are adequate rails that would prevent a person from falling overboard.
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Passengers may not ride on the bow, except in designed seats of motorboats less than 16 feet long when operating above a wakeless (idle) speed.
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Passengers may ride on the bow of a boat 16 feet or longer, except on Lake Powell, if they straddle an upright support on the rail without blocking the operator's view.
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Exceeding Maximum Capacity:
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It is illegal to load or power your boat in excess of the maximum capacity information stated on the United States Coast Guard capacity label or in the manufacturer's owners manual for the vessel. This includes a total weight of persons, motor, and gear, or the total number persons on board.
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Each vessel manufactured after November 1, 1972, which is less than 20 feet in length, except a sailboat, canoe, kayak, inflatable vessel, or homemade motorboat must have a United States Coast Guard capacity and certification label permanently affixed to the vessel and clearly visible to the operator when boarding or operating the vessel. The capacity and certification information may be combined together and displayed on one label.
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It Is Illegal to alter, deface, or remove a United States Coast Guard capacity or certification information label affixed to a vessel.
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Operating at an unsafe speed: Boaters must always operate their vessel at a safe speed as discussed earlier in this chapter as well as adhering to any indicated speed limitations.
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Failing to maintain adequate distance: Boaters must maintain the designated 'no wake' speed in the circumstances discussed above as well as keeping their distance from water skiers or vessels towing someone on another device.
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Not maintaining a lookout: All operators are required to keep a constant lookout, and must constantly listen for other vessels and/or people in the water.
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Dangerous operation: Boaters must make sure that the vessel is being operated in such a manner that its occupants or others sharing the water are not in any danger. If an officer observes that someone's safety may be endangered, the operator may be forced to head to the closest moorage. Examples of such operation could be: operating without all the required equipment, operating the vessel with more power than recommended, or operating the vessel with a fuel leak.
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For obvious safety reasons it is recommended that boaters do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in a narrow channel.
