Reckless or Negligent Operation
New Mexico law designates certain dangerous operating practices as illegal.
Reckless or Negligent Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, surfboards, or similar devices is the failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of reckless operation include:
- Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver-down flags, etc.
- Mooring or anchoring within 150 feet of a marina, boat ramp, or courtesy dock
- Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic
- Heading toward another vessel and swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision
- Jumping the wake of another vessel in a manner that endangers human life, human physical safety, or property
- Causing damage from the wake of your vessel
- Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel
