Reckless Operation or Manipulation

Mississippi law prohibits reckless or negligent operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or any similar device.

Reckless Operation or Manipulation is the failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of any other person. Examples of illegal and reckless operation are:

• Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger, injury, damage, or unnecessary inconvenience. Be aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including those marked as “idle speed” or “no wake speed.”
• Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic or swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision.
• Jumping the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is restricted.
• Loading the vessel beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.
• Causing damage from the wake of your vessel.
• Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver-down flags, etc.
• Allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard. (It also interferes with the operator's visibility and the stability of the vessel.)
• Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel.