
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1991                   TAG: 9102130595
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-6   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Landmark News Service
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

SENATE OKS BILL TO LIMIT JET SKIING

The familiar roar of jet skis at Smith Mountain Lake and all other state waters may become less common if a bill approved by the state Senate becomes law.

The Senate voted 37-0 Tuesday to regulate the use of the "personal watercraft." The House of Delegates last month approved a nearly identical version of the bill, sponsored by Del. Howard Copeland, D-Norfolk.

The bill will go to Gov. Douglas Wilder for his signature if the House, as expected, accepts a handful of amendments added in the Senate.

Under the measure:

People under age 14 could not operate jet skis or similar watercraft.

Anyone riding on a jet ski would have to wear a life jacket or other approved flotation device.

Jet skis would be banned on all waterways from sunset to sunrise.

A jet ski could not carry more passengers than allowed by its design.

Violations would carry a fine of up to $250.

Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY

by CNB