California Boating Law

GOVERNMENT CODE

(d) Unless otherwise provided by law, this section shall apply to all persons, regardless of whether the person is on foot, on skis or snowshoes, or is operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, vessel, watercraft, raft, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or any other boat or vehicle of any description. (e) This section shall not apply to any person who is authorized by the landowner, lessor, or manager of the closed area, to be in the closed area, and further shall have no application to any federal, state, or local government official who is in the closed area as part of his or her official duty, nor to any public utility performing services consistent with its public purpose, nor to any person acting in concert with a government authorized search or rescue. A person who was attempting to rescue another person or an animal shall not be liable for expenses of an emergency response under this section. (f) Expenses of an emergency response are a charge against the person liable for those expenses pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c). The charge constitutes a debt of that person and may be collected proportionately as specified in subdivision (g). The debt shall apply only to the person who intentionally, knowingly, and willfully enters the closed area, and not to his or her family, heirs, or assigns. The parent or parents of a minor child who has violated subdivision (b) or (c) may be responsible for the debt. (g) The debt may be collected proportionately by the public agencies, for-profit entities, and not-for-profit entities that incur the expenses. The liability imposed under this section shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other liability, fines, or fees that are imposed by law. (h) An insurance policy may exclude coverage for a person’s liability for expenses of an emergency response. TITLE 7.2. SAN FRANCISCO BAY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CHAPTER 7. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA WATER TRAIL 66690. San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Act. This chapter shall be known, and may be cited as, the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Act. 66691. San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Act, legislative intent. The Legisla- ture finds and declares the following: (a) The public has an interest in the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding watershed lands as one of the most valuable natural resources of the state, a resource that gives special character to the San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco Bay is the central feature in an interconnected open-space system of watersheds, natural habitats, waterways, scenic areas, agricultural lands, and regional trails. (b) Water-oriented recreational uses of the San Francisco Bay, including kayaking, canoeing, sailboarding, sculling, rowing, car-top sailing, and the like, are of great benefit to the public welfare of the San Francisco Bay Area. With loss of public open space, the public increasingly looks to the bay, the region’s largest open space, for recreational opportunities. Water-oriented recreational uses are an integral element of the recreational opportunities that span the San Francisco Bay Area and add to the community vitality and quality of life that the citizens of the region enjoy. (c) Water trails have been designated throughout the United States and have proven to be an important vehicle for promoting water-oriented recreation for citizens of all economic means. Water trails can inform the public about natural, cultural, and historic features and foster public stewardship of these resources. Water trails aid in urban renewal of industrial waterfronts. In combination with hiking, biking, and horse trails, water trails are an important element in the development of multiuse and multiday recreational opportunities that in turn have a positive regional economic benefit.

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