What's happening
The bill allows certain tow boats in regulation slalom courses to operate without an observer if specific safety conditions are met.
Why it matters
Expands access for competitive water skiing. by allowing single-operator tow boats (without an observer) in regulated slalom courses, potentially increasing participation and convenience in the sport.
Imposes strict safety requirements. Only tow boats approved by USA Water Ski, equipped with a large wide-angle mirror, and operated by adults are eligible—aiming to maintain safety without an observer.
Aligns state law with national standards. , recognizing USA Water Ski's regulations, which could simplify compliance for clubs and event organizers who already follow these national guidelines.
Could reduce operational costs and logistical barriers. for regulated slalom course events, as teams or individuals may need fewer crew members to legally operate, making it easier to host or participate in competitions.
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Who cares
Tow boat operators
Operators age 18 or older could tow water skiers without a separate observer when using a USA Water Ski-approved tow boat with a wide-angle mirror of at least 48 square inches within a USA Water Ski regulation slalom course.
- Watching
Water skiers
Skiers using qualifying boats within regulation slalom courses could be towed without another person aboard to watch their progress.
USA Water Ski
The organization's tow boat approvals and slalom course standards would determine which boats and courses qualify for the observer exemption.
Headline styles
Allow Solo Water Ski Towing
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
- Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Allow Skiing Without Observer
In Assembly Committee · Tourism, Parks, Arts And Sports Development · Sponsor Steven Englebright
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2985
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 31, 2019
Introduced by Sens. LITTLE, O'MARA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
AN ACT to amend the navigation law, in relation to observers for persons being towed on water skis by a vessel
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 73 of the navigation law, as amended by chapter 305 of the laws of 2001, is amended to read as follows:
1. No person shall operate a vessel for towing a person unless there is upon such vessel a person, other than the operator, of at least ten years of age, in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed. Provided, however, that a person in a position to observe the progress of the person who is being towed on water skis shall not be required if the vessel is:
a. a tow boat approved by USA Water Ski, and equipped with a wide-angle mirror having a viewing surface of not less than forty-eight square inches; and
b. being operated by a person who is eighteen years of age or older; and
c. being operated within a USA Water Ski regulation slalom course.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03654-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the navigation law, in relation to observers for persons being towed on water skis by a vessel
Purpose
Authorizes towing a person who is waterskiing with a vessel without an observer under certain circumstances.
Summary of provisions
Amends subdivision 1 of section 73 of the navigation law
Justification
Currently there are 25 states that allow competitive water skiers, under certain circumstances, to ski without an observer in the boat. This legislation allows no observer in a boat only on regulation American Water Ski Association (AWSA) slalom courses, when being towed by an approved AWSA tow boat equipped with a wide-angle mirror having a view- ing surface of at least 48 square inches. The boat must be operated by a person who is at least 18 years of age.
Legislative history
2015-16: S.6083-A Passed Senate; A.8600 Referred to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.