New Alabama laws change rules for out-of-state boaters

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Two new safety laws will bring changes to boating for non-Alabama residents later this year.

One new law requires boats on Lake Martin and Weiss Lake to maintain idle speed when traveling within a hundred feet from the shoreline. It also regulates wake surfing at those lakes to be at least 200 feet from the shore.

The second new law establishes the Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification. This means nonresidents will be required to have a license or certification from their home state to operate a vessel in Alabama. It will change the current law, which provides a 45-day window for anyone out of state to operate a vessel in Alabama.

Law enforcement says that within the last fiscal year, 25% of accidents have involved nonresident operators.

“So we’re hoping that this will ensure that those folks are ensured to our laws and safe operating practices,” Chief Matt Brooks of the Marine Patrol Division said.

Lawmakers stressed the importance of action from the legislature to keep waterways safe.

“We require Alabama residents to have a vessel license before operating, so it only seems fair that we require out-of-state operators to have the same safety,” State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) said.

“These two pieces of legislation we celebrated today, I think will go a tremendous way in keeping our waterways safe,” State Sen. Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) said.

Hal Taylor with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said that even with these new laws, there is one way to stay safe.

“Treat the waterways just like you do the roadways,” Taylor said. “I know there are no lines, no stop signs, no red lights but please have the same awareness and caution.”

Tyler Urrutia has competed in several competitions and wakeboards in Alabama. Originally from Georgia, he says space is your friend on the water.

“I think it’s going to benefit people more in a safety manner than it will in a property damage manner,” Urrutia said. “I think it’s all kind of coming down to the same thing of safety and keeping people more informed and safer out there.”

Chief Brooks said there have been 17 fatalities and $1.5 million dollars worth of property damage done in the last fiscal year due to boating accidents. He said many could have could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket.

The two laws go into effect on October 1 after recently being signed by Gov. Kay Ivey.

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