State Senate approves water safety bill

Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 12:27 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The state Senate Wednesday morning approved a bill requiring youngsters pass water safety courses before being allowed to drive boats and other water vehicles such as jet skis.

Anyone 12 to 16 years old would not be allowed to operate a boat, a craft with a motor of ten horsepower or more, or any watercraft longer than 16 feet until they pass the safety course.

Children under 12 would not be allowed to operate the watercraft.

The bill is named for Kyle Williams of Edmond who was 12 when he died two years ago in a jet ski accident on Lake Eufaula. Williams was riding with his 14-year-old sister when they were hit by another jet ski driven by a youngster.

The bill passed on a 37-to-7 vote with no debate and now heads to the House for consideration.

Williams' mother, Sue Williams, watched the vote from the Senate gallery and says she's surprised by the seven ``no'' votes.