Effective Jan 1, 2005, teak surfing, platform dragging, and bodysurfing behind a motorized vessel will become an infraction in California. The fine is set at $100. AB 2222, the bill that creates this infraction, also makes it a no-no to run the engine at idle while someone is on the swim platform/deck/ladder at the rear of the boat, or hanging onto it while in the water. None of the above applies if the engine is running and you are on the platform, deck or ladder to aid in docking (or undocking), or if getting into or out of the water.<br /><br />In the last 3 1/2 years, in/from Calif, 2 kids body surfing and a man swimming have been killed by carbon monoxide behind boats.<br /><br />Effective May 1, 2005, any new or used boat sold in California will be required to have two stickers affixed to it that warn of carbon monoxide poisoning. A little sticker must be at the helm, a big sticker must be at/on the stern. Both stickers will be affixed by the dealership, or in the case of a private sell, the stickers will be included in your registration material sent by the DMV. Dont have a clue how they will get stickers onto documented vessels.<br /><br />Teak surfing, platform dragging, and bodysurfing are defined in the bills text, sec 681 (d) and (e). You can read the language here:<br /><br /> http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2201-2250/ab_2222_bill_20040917_chaptered.html <br /><br />Outside Calif you should expect similar legislation to appear in your state soon.
