HomeMy WebLinkAbout2804 AN ORDINANCE regulating the use and operation of
water craft on Kitsap Lake, establishing speed limits
and regulation for such craft, defining offenses, pro-
viding penalty for violation thereof, and declaring
an emergency.
WHEREAS: Kitsap Lake is used by the public for boating
fishing and bathing and is not subject to regulation by either
State or Federal Law; and
WHEREAS: There are numerous motor powered water craft
on the waters of Kitsap Lake being operated in a reckless and
negligent manner so as to constitute a menace to the health:
safety and welfare of the general public; and
wHEREAS: The City of Bremerton deems it necessary for
the safety, health, welfare and convenience of the inhabitants of
the Kitsap Lake area that restrictions be adopted regulating the
use of motor powered water craft, now, therefore,
THE CITY OF BREMERTON DOES ORDAIN:
/~' Section 1: Water Craft as used in this ordinance shall
mean a boat or vessel which is self-propelled.
Section 2: A water craft shall be driven in a careful and
prudent manner on Kitsap Lake at a speed no greater than is reasonable
and proper under the conditions at the time and place of operation,
taking into account the amount and character of traffic, freedom
from obstruction to view ahead, and so as not to unreasonably endanger
persons or property or othem rights of any person entitled to the use
of such waters.
Section 3: It shall be unlawful to operate a water
craft at a rate of speed greater than will permit the operator in
the exercise of reasonable care to bring the water craft to a stop
within the assured clear distance ahead.
Page 1
AND provided further, that it shall be unlawful to operate
a water craft at a speed in excess of eight miles per hour within
200 feet of any shore, dock or public swimming area within
100 feet of any other water craft or swimmer and providing
that this 8 miles per hour limitation shall not apply to water
craft operators pulling water skiers for take-off or landing at right
angles to shore, dock or other' launching facilities and such take-
off or landing would not constitute an undue risk to persons orr
property.
Section 4: It shall be unlawful to operate a water craft
on Kitsap Lake between sunset and sunrise without a white light
distinctly visible under clear weather conditions for a distance of
at least three hundred feet.
Section 5: It shall be unlawful to operate a water craft
in a reckless manner upon Kitsap Lake. A"reckless manner" for the
purpose of this ordinance is defined as a manner such as to endanger
or be likely to endanger any person or property.
Section 6: It shall be unlawful to operate a water craft
within a water area which is clearly marked by buoys or some other
distinguishing device as a bathing or swimming area.
Section 7: Water craft shall at all times yield the right-
of-way to nonpowered water craft, swimmers, bathers, water skiers and
surf-board riders.
Section 8: It shall be unlawful to operate a powered water
craft for the towing of water skiers without the presence of another
responsible person other than the operator in the craft.
Section 9: Ail water craft on such water carrying passengers
shall have a life-preserver or life float for each passenger the boat
has a capacity to carry, sufficient to support such person in the
water, placed or attached in a manner as to be convenient for use.
Section 10: The violation of any provision of this ordinance
shall constitute a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be
punished by a fine of no~t more than $300.00 and by imprisonment
Page 2
In the City jail for not more than ninety (90) days, or both.
Section 11: That an emergency exists and is hereby
declared to exist and this Ordinance is necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health, safety and general welfare
of the citizens of Bremerton, and shall take and be in effect
immediately upon passage and publication.
PASSED unanimously by the City Council of the City of
Bremerton, signed by the Mayor and attested to by the City Clerk
in authentication of such passage this ~ ~'~'day of July, 1968.
ATTEST:
E. H. T. McGOW~, City Clerk
Page