Watercraft bill clears Arkansas Senate

Minimum age of watercraft operator increased to 16

An Arkansas Senate panel has advanced a bill that places more restrictions on personal watercraft operation.

Rachel’s Bill is named after Rachel Rutherford, a girl who was killed in a personal watercraft accident two years ago at the age of 15. Rutherford’s mother urged lawmakers to advance the bill when she appeared before the Senate transportation committee on March 9, 2009.

Rachel’s Bill increases the minimum age of PWC operators from 14 to 16 years old. Other restrictions include a no wake speed 100 feet from the shore, anchored boates and swimmers. Also, personal watercraft operation would be restricted to daylight hours.

The bill requires that PWC operators take a boater safety course, including specific training on personal watercraft.