Personal watercraft (PWC) are a great way to enjoy the lakes of Nevada, such as Lake Mead. Similar to how motorcycles allow for high-speed open-air enjoyment of the roads, PWC let you have this exhilarating experience on the water. In this blog, the Henderson boat accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain what these vehicles are and go over personal watercraft laws in Nevada.
What Is a Personal Watercraft?
Personal watercrafts are small, motorized vehicles that are used in the water. They offer high speeds, nimble steering, and open-air excitement. Many people are familiar with them by the name brands Jet Ski (Kawasaki), WaveRunner (Yamaha), and Sea Doo.
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. Some PWC have small engines that are great for leisurely trips around the lake, while others have powerful motors that were made for slicing up the water.
What Are Personal Watercraft Laws in Nevada?
The laws governing PWC are listed in NRS 488.580. The statute states that:
1. A person shall not operate or authorize another person to operate a personal watercraft under his or her ownership or control:
(a) In a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life or property of another person.
(b) Unless the operator and each passenger is wearing a life jacket of an appropriate size and type for the person for whom it was intended that has been approved by the United States Coast Guard and meets any requirements prescribed by the regulations of the Commission.
(c) Unless the operator is at least 14 years of age.
(d) Unless the operator satisfies any applicable provisions of NRS 488.730.
2. There is prima facie evidence that a person is operating a personal watercraft in a reckless or negligent manner if that person commits two or more of the following acts simultaneously:
(a) Operates the personal watercraft within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel, unless both are leaving a flat wake or traveling at a speed of not more than 5 nautical miles per hour.
(b) Operates the personal watercraft in the vicinity of a power-driven vessel in a manner that obstructs the visibility of either operator.
(c) Heads into the wake of a power-driven vessel which is within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel and causes one-half or more of the length of the personal watercraft to leave the water.
(d) Within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel, maneuvers quickly, turns sharply or swerves, unless the maneuver is necessary to avoid collision.
3. As used in this section, “personal watercraft” means:
(a) A class A power-driven vessel which:
(1) Is less than 13 feet in length;
(2) Is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on, rather than in, the power-driven vessel;
(3) Is capable of performing sharp turns or quick maneuvers; and
(4) Has a motor that exceeds 10 horsepower.
(b) A mechanically propelled personal hydrofoil or motorized surfboard.
While all of these rules are important, three key ones to remember, in practical terms, are:
- Personal watercraft laws in Nevada classify these vehicles as boats.
- People are required to take a boating education course in order to operate PWC in Nevada waters.
- PWC never have the right of way. Drivers must yield to motorboats, sailboats, kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders.
Are Personal Watercraft Dangerous?
PWC are as safe as any other type of vehicle, if the driver uses a well-maintained one responsibly around others who are also driving responsibly. Unfortunately, there may be situations where a boater drives recklessly or another PWC driver is intoxicated. Situations like these are especially dangerous to PWC drivers, since they’re relatively unprotected. This leaves them vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. If you suffer injuries in a PWC accident, then contact the Henderson boat accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance.
Contact a Top Personal Watercraft Accident Lawyer Today
ER Injury Attorneys hope that you found this guide on personal watercraft laws in Nevada useful. Please share it with the PWC enthusiasts you know and anyone that’s interested in riding a PWC in Southern Nevada. Also, know that our firm offers 24/7 legal help in the event of a collision or crash involving a PWC.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have successfully served clients throughout Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, and Laughlin. Contact us today and take the first step towards getting the compensation that you deserve.