(625 ILCS 45/5-14) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-9)
Sec. 5-14. Towing of persons.
A. No person may operate a motorboat that has in tow or is
otherwise
assisting a person on water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar
contrivance in or
upon any waterway, unless the motorboat has a capacity of at
least 3 persons and is occupied by at least 2
competent persons.
B. No person may operate a motorboat having in tow or otherwise be
assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane or similar contrivance from the
period of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. This
paragraph B does not apply to motorboats used in duly authorized water ski
tournaments, competitions, exhibitions or trials therefor where adequate
lighting is provided.
C. All persons operating a motorboat having in tow or otherwise
assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane or similar contrivance, must be
careful and prudent in their operation and keep at a reasonable distance
from persons and property so as not to endanger the life or property of any
person.
D. No person may operate or manipulate any vessel, tow rope or other
device by which the direction or location of water skis, aquaplane, or
similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the
water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, or any persons thereon to collide
with or strike against any person or object, except ski jumps, buoys and
like objects normally used in competitive or recreational skiing.
E. The operator of any watercraft that is towing a person or persons shall display on the watercraft a bright or brilliant orange flag measuring not less than 12 inches per side. The flag shall be displayed at the highest point of the area surrounding the boat's helm as to be visible from all directions, continuously, while the person or persons being towed depart the boat in preparation for towing and until reentry into the boat when the activity has ceased. Display of the flag for purposes other than the activity described in this Section is prohibited. (Source: P.A. 98-697, eff. 1-1-15.)
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