Imperial County Municipal Code Ch. 2 Boating and Swimming Regulations

A. It is unlawful for any person or persons to operate water skis, an aquaplane, or other similar device or to operate a vessel for towing any person or persons on water skis, an aquaplane, or other similar device, at any time upon the waters of the Palo Verde Outfall Drain of the Colorado River, in the county of Imperial, state of California.

B. Violations. Any person who shall violate any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed three months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Prior code §§ 32100, 32101)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92902.00), 10-27-09)

It is unlawful for any person to bathe, swim, boat, water ski or otherwise enter into, or upon the surface of the water in any irrigation canal, lateral, ditch, or siphon, in the unincorporated area of the county of Imperial, state of California; provided, however, that the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to that body of water known as the Palo Verde Outfall Drain and Sunbeam Lake Lagoon (boating and fishing only). (Prior code § 32200)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92902.01), 10-27-09)

It is unlawful for any person or persons to operate water skis, an aquaplane, or other similar device or to operate a vessel for towing any person or persons on water skis, an aquaplane or other similar device or means at any time upon the waters of the Oxbow Lagoon adjacent to the Colorado River in the Palo Verde area in the county of Imperial, state of California. (Prior code § 32300)

Boat size = 24-foot limit

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92902.02), 10-27-09)

A. Scope. Pursuant to Sections 267 and 268 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code and Section 7003 of Title 14 of the California Administrative Code, and based on a study by the parks and recreation department, the county of Imperial has determined the requirement for a boating speed limit in certain areas of the navigable waterways within the county.

B. Definitions. As used in this chapter:

"Boat" means every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on, through, or under water, including, but not limited to rafts, aquaplanes, water skis, jet skis, paddleboards and surfboards, whether propelled manually, mechanically or by means of sail or canvass.

"Person" includes any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association or body politic, except the United States, the state of California, and the county of Imperial and includes any agent, trustee, executor, receiver, assignee or other similar representative thereof.

C. Speeding Regulations.

1. It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat at a speed in excess of five nautical miles per hour within two hundred (200) feet of the California shore of the Colorado River commencing at the mouth of the channel south of Walters Camp and continuing north for a distance of one mile.

2. It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat at a speed in excess of five nautical miles per hour within two hundred (200) feet of the shore surrounding Squaw Lake.

3. It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat at a speed in excess of five nautical miles per hour upon Sunbeam Lagoon (lower Sunbeam Lake).

4. It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat at a speed in excess of five nautical miles per hour upon Wiest Lake within one hundred (100) feet of any pier, now existing or hereinafter constructed.

5. It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat at a speed in excess of five nautical miles per hour within two hundred (200) feet of any swimming beach, swimming float, swimming platform, swimming lifeline, launching bay, float or dock in Imperial County.

D. Posting Speed Limits. The director shall cause to be located in the areas described in subsection C of this section, signs or buoys indicating the allowable speed within the area. From and after the location of the signs or buoys in the indicated areas, the speed limits stated in subsection C of this section shall be in full force and effect.

E. Penalties and Procedures. Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment in the County jail for a term not to exceed six months, or by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 1341 § 42, 2001; prior code §§ 32400-32404)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92902.03), 10-27-09)