Representative Darby advocates new safety regulations for personal watercraft in New Hampshire

New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a new bill aimed at enhancing safety regulations for personal watercraft (PWCs), commonly known as jet skis, on the state's lakes. The proposed legislation, discussed during a recent House Resources, Recreation and Development meeting, seeks to address safety concerns associated with the increasing popularity of these vehicles.

Representative Darby, who introduced the bill, emphasized the need for stricter safety measures, citing the unique risks posed by PWCs compared to traditional boats. He noted that while many users are responsible, the lack of physical restraints on PWCs and their powerful engines can lead to dangerous situations. The bill proposes that operators must be at least 16 years old, wear personal flotation devices, and refrain from operating these vehicles after dark.

The discussion highlighted a tragic incident from 2017, where a woman drowned after falling off a PWC, underscoring the potential dangers associated with these watercraft. Darby argued that the bill is not intended to restrict recreational use but to promote safety and compliance with existing regulations.

However, the proposal faced opposition from various stakeholders, including the New Hampshire Marine Trades Association and local business owners. Critics argue that current laws already adequately address safety concerns and that the bill could lead to unnecessary restrictions on PWC usage. They pointed out that the existing regulations classify PWCs as boats, which already require operators to adhere to safety standards.

Opponents also expressed concerns that the bill could open the door to future bans on PWCs, similar to past legislative efforts that sought to limit their access to certain waterways. They emphasized the importance of education and enforcement of existing laws rather than introducing new regulations.

As the committee continues to deliberate, the outcome of this bill could significantly impact the recreational boating community in New Hampshire, shaping how personal watercraft are regulated and used on the state's lakes. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to address the concerns raised by both supporters and opponents of the legislation.