{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/29.1-742.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/29.1-742.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/29.1-742.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/29.1-742.html"}],"law_id":357163,"edition_id":2,"section_id":357163,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-742","catch_line":"Towing water skis, surfboards, etc","history":"1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.13; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7 62.1-179; 1982, c. 236; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 265; 1993, c. 275; 1997, c. 108.","full_text":"A\n\nNo person shall operate a vessel on any waters of the Commonwealth for towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless there is in the vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed or unless the skier or skiers wear life preservers.\n\nB\n\nNo person shall operate a vessel on any water of the Commonwealth towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing or a similar activity at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The provisions of this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any provision of § 29.1-738.\n\nC\n\nThe provisions of subsections A and B of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition.\n\nD\n\nNo person shall operate or manipulate any vessel, towrope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or any person upon the device to collide with any object or person.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1329242,"text":"No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of the Commonwealth for towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless there is in the vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed or unless the skier or skiers wear life preservers.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1329243,"text":"No person shall operate a vessel on any water of the Commonwealth towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing or a similar activity at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The provisions of this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any provision of § 29.1-738.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1329244,"text":"The provisions of subsections A and B of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":1329245,"text":"No person shall operate or manipulate any vessel, towrope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or any person upon the device to collide with any object or person.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51096,"edition_id":2,"name":"Boating Safety","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":4,"parent_id":51092,"metadata":{"child_laws":32,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:37:26","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:54","permalink":{"id":1420643,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51096,"identifier":"3","token":"29.1\/7\/3","url":"\/29.1\/7\/3\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51092,"edition_id":2,"name":"Boating Laws","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":12,"parent_id":51066,"metadata":{"child_laws":85,"child_structures":5},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:37:21","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:54","permalink":{"id":1420455,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51092,"identifier":"7","token":"29.1\/7","url":"\/29.1\/7\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51066,"edition_id":2,"name":"Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating","identifier":"29.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":72,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":397,"child_structures":36},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:36:48","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:51","permalink":{"id":1419279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51066,"identifier":"29.1","token":"29.1","url":"\/29.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":357141,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-734","catch_line":"Authorization for and placing of markers in waters of the Commonwealth used for public swimming areas; no motorboating, waterskiing in marked area","url":"\/29.1-734\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-734","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":357140,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-734.1","catch_line":"Skin and scuba divers","url":"\/29.1-734.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-734.1","metadata":false},{"id":357145,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735","catch_line":"Regulations for vessel operation and equipment","url":"\/29.1-735\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735","metadata":false},{"id":357142,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735.1","catch_line":"Board authorized to promulgate regulations for seaplanes","url":"\/29.1-735.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.1","metadata":false},{"id":357143,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735.2","catch_line":"Boating safety education required; Board to promulgate regulations","url":"\/29.1-735.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.2","metadata":false},{"id":357144,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735.3","catch_line":"Regulation of parasail operators","url":"\/29.1-735.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.3","metadata":false},{"id":357146,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-736","catch_line":"Boat rentals; equipment; safety course","url":"\/29.1-736\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-736","metadata":false},{"id":357147,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-737","catch_line":"Muffling devices","url":"\/29.1-737\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-737","metadata":false},{"id":357157,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738","catch_line":"Operating boat or manipulating water skis, etc., in reckless manner or while intoxicated, etc","url":"\/29.1-738\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738","metadata":false},{"id":357148,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.01","catch_line":"Operating boat in an improper manner; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.01\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.01","metadata":false},{"id":357149,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.02","catch_line":"Persons under age twenty-one operating watercraft after illegally consuming alcohol; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.02\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.02","metadata":false},{"id":357150,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.03","catch_line":"Reckless operation of a personal watercraft","url":"\/29.1-738.03\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.03","metadata":false},{"id":357151,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.1","catch_line":"Analysis of breath to determine alcohol content of blood","url":"\/29.1-738.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.1","metadata":false},{"id":357152,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.2","catch_line":"Consent to blood or breath test","url":"\/29.1-738.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.2","metadata":false},{"id":357153,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.3","catch_line":"Presumptions from alcohol or drug content","url":"\/29.1-738.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.3","metadata":false},{"id":357154,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.4","catch_line":"Additional penalty for reckless or intoxicated operation of a watercraft or motorboat","url":"\/29.1-738.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.4","metadata":false},{"id":357155,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.5","catch_line":"Participation in rehabilitation program","url":"\/29.1-738.5\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.5","metadata":false},{"id":357156,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.6","catch_line":"When arrested person operating a vessel; how vessel removed from scene of arrest","url":"\/29.1-738.6\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.6","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":357160,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-739","catch_line":"Duty of operator involved in collision, accident or other casualty; immunity from liability; report of collision, etc.; summons in lieu of arrest","url":"\/29.1-739\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739","metadata":false},{"id":357158,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-739.1","catch_line":"Disregarding signal by law-enforcement officer to stop; attempts to elude; penalty","url":"\/29.1-739.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739.1","metadata":false},{"id":357159,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-739.2","catch_line":"Conservation police officers to patrol lakes","url":"\/29.1-739.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739.2","metadata":false},{"id":357161,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-740","catch_line":"Duty to stop and render assistance; penalties for violations","url":"\/29.1-740\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-740","metadata":false},{"id":357162,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-741","catch_line":"Furnishing information to agency of United States","url":"\/29.1-741\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-741","metadata":false},{"id":357163,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-742","catch_line":"Towing water skis, surfboards, etc","url":"\/29.1-742\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-742","metadata":false},{"id":357164,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-743","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-743\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-743","metadata":false},{"id":357169,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744","catch_line":"Local regulation; application for placement or removal of \"no wake\" buoys, etc","url":"\/29.1-744\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744","metadata":false},{"id":357165,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.1","metadata":false},{"id":357166,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.2","metadata":false},{"id":357167,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.3","catch_line":"Slacken speed and control wakes near structures","url":"\/29.1-744.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.3","metadata":false},{"id":357168,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.4","catch_line":"\"Pass-through\" zones; local ordinances; penalties","url":"\/29.1-744.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.4","metadata":false},{"id":357170,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-745","catch_line":"Enforcement of chapter; vessels displaying Coast Guard inspection decal","url":"\/29.1-745\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-745","metadata":false},{"id":357171,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-746","catch_line":"Penalties","url":"\/29.1-746\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-746","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":357162,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-741","catch_line":"Furnishing information to agency of United States","url":"\/29.1-741\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-741","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":357164,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-743","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-743\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-743","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-742\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1960. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 500 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1960 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1962, chapter 626; in 1968, chapter 659; in 1982, chapter 236; in 1987, chapter 488; in 1988, chapter 265; in 1993, chapter 275; in 1997, chapter 108<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":357157,"section_number":"29.1-738","catch_line":"Operating boat or manipulating water skis, etc., in reckless manner or while intoxicated, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-738\/"}],"permalink":{"id":1420737,"object_type":"law","relational_id":357163,"identifier":"29.1-742","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-742","url":"\/29.1-742\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-742\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-742","dublin_core":{"Title":"Towing water skis, surfboards, etc","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-742","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No person shall operate<\/span> a vessel<\/span> on any waters of the Commonwealth<\/span> for towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless there is in the vessel<\/span> a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed or unless the skier or skiers wear life preservers. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> No person shall operate<\/span> a vessel<\/span> on any water of the Commonwealth towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing or a similar activity at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The provisions of this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any provision of § 29.1-738<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The provisions of subsections A and B of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> No person shall operate<\/span> or manipulate any vessel<\/span>, towrope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or any person upon the device to collide with any object<\/span> or person. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTOWING WATER SKIS, SURFBOARDS, ETC (\u00a7 29.1-742)\n\nA. No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of the Commonwealth for towing\na person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless there\nis in the vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe\nthe progress of the person or persons being towed or unless the skier or skiers\nwear life preservers.\n\nB. No person shall operate a vessel on any water of the Commonwealth towing a\nperson or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device, nor shall any\nperson engage in water skiing or a similar activity at any time between the\nhours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The\nprovisions of this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any provision of\n§ 29.1-738.\n\nC. The provisions of subsections A and B of this section do not apply to a\nperformer engaged in a professional exhibition.\n\nD. No person shall operate or manipulate any vessel, towrope, or other device by\nwhich the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device\nmay be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis,\nsurfboard, or similar device, or any person upon the device to collide with any\nobject or person.\n\nHISTORY: 1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.13; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7 62.1-179;\n1982, c. 236; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 265; 1993, c. 275; 1997, c. 108.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}