New Arkansas PWC age limit law takes effect

Solo PWC operators must be at least 16

July 10, 2009 marked the introduction of a new law in Arkansas that says all solo personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 years of age.

The law is known as Rachel’s Bill, named after Rachel Rutherford, a girl who was killed in a personal watercraft accident two years ago at the age of 15.

Young drivers aged 12 to 15 will still be allowed to drive a PWC, but they must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older) who is facing the front of the watercraft in position to take control if necessary. People younger than 12 can also operate a PWC, but only if accompanied by somebody who is at least 21.

Also, anybody born before Jan. 1, 1986 is required to take an approved safe boating course if they want to operate a PWC.

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