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By D. Clay Hays First introduced on Jan. 12, 2009, AR Senate Bill 38, known as "Rachel's Bill", now awaits the approval of Arkansas' House of Representatives. Sen. Steve Faris (D-Malvern) filed the bill on behalf of the Mother of Rachel Rutherford, who died in a boating accident while riding a PWC on Lake Hamilton in 2007. The bill would raise the legal age to ride a PWC in Arkansas from 14 to 16. Along the way, three amendments to the Arkansas Code were added to update the current statutes including one that would require alcohol and drug testing after a personal watercraft accident that results in injury or death. (I can't believe that wasn't already done!) Amendment #3 to SB38 states that the presently required boater safety education course, with regard to personal watercraft, be expanded to include "electronic simulation of personal watercraft operation and actual hands-on familiarization with the personal watercraft". Sounds expensive to me but, with the safety and well-being of young boaters at stake, a very worthwhile venture! Through my years in the boat business I have personally witnessed the evolution of personal watercraft and have often said "there's got to be a stopping point here somewhere!" What started out as a fun way to buzz around on the water has become an all-out race for supremacy. As with ATV's and motorcycles, PWC motors keep getting bigger and faster. The reigning king is Sea Doo with 255 super-charged horsepower but it's just a matter of time until Kawasaki, Yamaha or Honda once again raises the stakes.  I do, however, have to give Sea Doo a big thumbs up for recent safety advances in their latest models like the world's first on-water braking system.I'll pass on the outcome as soon as the House announces its decision. Until then, ride safely...........Clay If you'd like to comment on this post please use the Contact form.
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"Rachel's Bill" (AR Senate Bill 38) Proposes New
