Reckless or Negligent Operation
Arkansas law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.
Reckless Operation of any motorboat or other vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, an aquaplane, or other device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of reckless operation are:
- Weaving through congested waterway traffic
- Operating within 100 feet of a towboat that is underway
- Jumping the wake of another vessel too close to that vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
- Swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision
- Chasing or harassing wildlife with your motorboat or vessel
Negligent Operation is operating a vessel in a negligent manner, such as:
- Not paying attention to the operation of the vessel
- Failing to keep a proper lookout
- Failing to observe the navigation rules
- Operating in such a way that your vessel collides with another vessel or object
- Operating a motorboat equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch without attaching the lanyard to your person, clothing, or personal flotation device (PFD)
Grossly Negligent Operation is operating a vessel or manipulating water skis, an aquaplane, or other device in a manner that results in serious injury or death.
