# Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.07: Reckless or unsafe operation of vessel, water skis, aquaplane

> Ohio · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.07

## Section

- **Citation:** Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.07
- **Heading:** Reckless or unsafe operation of vessel, water skis, aquaplane
- **Jurisdiction:** Ohio
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Ohio Revised Code / Title 15 / Chapter 1547 / § 1547.07

## Text

March 18, 1997 Senate Bill 295 - 121st General Assembly (A) Any person who operates any vessel or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device on the waters in this state carelessly or heedlessly, or in disregard of the rights or safety of any person, vessel, or property, or without due caution, at a rate of speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person, vessel, or property is guilty of reckless operation of the vessel or other device. (B) No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel in an unsafe manner. A vessel shall be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. Unsafe vessel operation includes, without limitation, any of the following: (1) A vessel becoming airborne or completely leaving the water while crossing the wake of another vessel at a distance of less than one hundred feet, or at an unsafe distance, from the vessel creating the wake; (2) Operating at such a speed and proximity to another vessel or to a person attempting to ride on one or more water skis, surfboard, inflatable device, or similar device being towed by a vessel so as to require the operator of either vessel to swerve or turn abruptly to avoid collision; (3) Operating less than two hundred feet directly behind a person water skiing or attempting to water ski; (4) Weaving through congested traffic.

## Nearby sections

- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.02 § 1547.02. Applicability of chapter to vessels operating on the waters in this state](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.02.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.03 § 1547.03. Flashing light prohibition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.03.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.04 § 1547.04. Siren prohibition - exception](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.04.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.05 § 1547.05. Completing boating course as prerequisite to licensing; exception](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.05.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.06 § 1547.06. Child operators](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.06.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.07 § 1547.07. Reckless or unsafe operation of vessel, water skis, aquaplane](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.07.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.08 § 1547.08. Prohibiting operation in certain areas - low speed areas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.08.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.09 § 1547.09. Prohibited acts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.09.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.10 § 1547.10. Stopping and furnishing information upon accident or collision](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.10.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.11 § 1547.11. Operation, control, or manipulation under influence of alcohol or drug](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.11.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.12 § 1547.12. Incapacitated operators prohibited](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.12.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.13 § 1547.13. Failure to comply with order of law enforcement - fleeing and eluding](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.13.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.14 § 1547.14. Water skiing activity confined to ski zones](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.14.md)
- [Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.15 § 1547.15. Observer required when towing skier](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.15.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_OH_T15_C1547_S1547.07. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.