Senator Christopher Connors

August 7, 2009   

Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, Senator Christopher J. Connors

Legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors and Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf aimed at enhancing water safety measures for personal watercraft was signed into law today by the Governor.

The 9th District Legislative Delegation’s measure, S-1171/A-2736, will prohibit the operation of personal watercraft, commonly referred to as jet-skis,  above minimum headway within 100 feet of buoys or signs that mark the boundaries of a swimming area, the shoreline, persons in the water and residential dwelling units.

“After years of advocating for improved safety requirements regarding the use of jet-skis, it is gratifying to see this legislation finally signed into law,” said Senator Connors, a member of the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “From the outset, we believed the provisions of our legislation to be both reasonable and, more importantly, in the best interest of public safety.  The penalties imposed upon operators of jet-skis who do not adhere to these safety requirements would be fines of $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense and $100 for a third offense.  Hopefully, these penalties will serve as an effective deterrent against the irresponsible use of these vehicles in order to avoid incidents in which someone is injured or property is damaged.”

The Connors-Rumpf initiative will authorize state, county and municipal police to enforce the laws governing the operation of watercraft, while reserving to the State Police primary jurisdiction over the investigation of accidents and crimes involving the operation of such watercraft.

“As shore legislators, we fully understand the paramount need for safety in our waterways and around our beaches,” added Assemblyman Rumpf.  “We believe the provisions of our bill will help curb reckless use of these vehicles while at the same time having no negative impact on the personal watercraft industry.  Additionally, our legislation will clarify under law the responsibilities of law enforcement in the investigation of accidents or criminal matters that involve personal watercraft.”

Legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors and Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf aimed at enhancing water safety measures for personal watercraft was signed into law today by the Governor. The 9th District Legislative Delegation’s measure, S-1171/A-2736, will prohibit the operation of personal watercraft, commonly referred [...]