Operating a PWC

In South Dakota, these are the operating laws for PWC.

• PWC may not be operated between the hours of sunset and sunrise unless equipped with the required navigation lights.
• It is illegal to operate a PWC at greater than “slow, no wake speed” within 150 feet of:
  • A dock
  • A swimmer
  • A swimming raft
  • A non-motorized boat
• PWC must be operated in a responsible manner at all times. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:
  • Weaving a PWC through congested waterway traffic
  • Jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
  • Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and avoid collision
• It is illegal to chase, harass, or disturb wildlife with a PWC.
• It is illegal to operate a PWC through emergent floating vegetation at greater than “slow, no wake speed.”