Louisiana § RS 34:851.15 - Waterskiing
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 34:851.15 — Waterskiing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 34:851.15. Waterskiing
A.(1) No motorboat which shall have in tow or shall be otherwise assisting a person on water-skis, surfboard, or similar contrivance shall be operated or propelled in or upon any waterway unless such motorboat shall be occupied by at least two competent persons.
(2)(a) This Subsection shall not apply to motorboats used by representatives of duly constituted water-ski schools in the giving of instruction or to motorboats used in duly authorized water-ski tournaments, competitions, expositions, or trials therefor if applicable permit has been obtained from the department or the United States Coast Guard.
(b) This Subsection shall not apply to a motorboat being operated by a person sixteen years old or older, which is equipped with a wide-angle convex marine rearview mirror of a minimum size of seven inches by fourteen inches in a position to observe the skiers being towed.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2008, No. 34, §1.
B. No motorboat shall have in tow or shall be otherwise assisting a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar contrivance from the period of one hour after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise; however, this Subsection shall not apply to motorboats used in duly authorized water ski tournaments, competitions, expositions, or trials therefor.
C. All motorboats having in tow or otherwise assisting a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar contrivance shall be operated in a careful and prudent manner and at a reasonable distance from persons and property so as not to endanger the life or property of any person.
D. No motorboat shall have in tow or shall be otherwise assisting a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar contrivance on that portion of Lake Louis in Catahoula Parish from latitude 31degrees 47 minutes 42.6 seconds, longitude N. 91degrees 40 minutes 57.7 seconds W., known locally as the "Rocks", southward on Bayou Louis. Additionally, no person shall operate a personal watercraft, as defined in R.S. 34:855.2, above bare steerage speed, the slowest speed the vessel can travel while allowing the operator to maintain directional control to produce the minimum water surface turbulence, in the portion of Lake Louis and Bayou Louis provided for in this Subsection.
Acts 1960, No. 43, §15. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 367, §1; Acts 1982, No. 411, §2; Acts 1984, No. 288, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1001, §1; Acts 2008, No. 34, §1; Acts 2014, No. 66, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 34:851.15
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 34:851.15 cover?
Section RS 34:851.15 ("Waterskiing") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 34:851.15?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 34:851.15" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 34:851.15 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.