State House passes boating safety bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House passes legislation Thursday to require teenagers to take a boater safety course before operating boats and jet skis.<br/><br/>The state Senate-approved Kyle Williams

Thursday, April 6th 2006, 6:55 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House passes legislation Thursday to require teenagers to take a boater safety course before operating boats and jet skis.

The state Senate-approved Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Act would prohibit anyone under 12 from operating a vessel with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower or any sailboat more than 16 feet long.

The bill also requires children between the ages of 12 and 16 to complete a boater safety education course and be accompanied by an adult before being allowed to operate the vessels.

The measure is named for a 12-year-old Edmond boy who was killed in a jet-ski accident in August 2004.