§ 96.039. - Boating.
(a) Zone A prohibited. Boating of any kind or character, including iceboating, is prohibited in that portion of the reservoir designated as zone A.
(b) Zones B, C, and D. Boating in zones B, C, and D is subject to the following restrictions:
(1) License and fee requirements as outlined in section 96.040 of this chapter.
(2) Exhaust gases. No person shall operate, or cause to be operated, any watercraft equipped with a motor or internal combustion engine, regardless of whether such motor or engine be temporarily or permanently attached to such boat or craft, on any of the waters of the reservoir unless such motor or engine is equipped with an efficient muffler, in good working order and constant operation so as to prevent excessive noise and annoying smoke. No outboard motor or internal combustion engine shall be deemed equipped with an efficient muffler unless the exhaust gases are discharged underwater or are so muffled as not to be noisier or more annoying than an internal combustion engine of power equipped with an underwater exhaust. No inboard motor or internal combustion engine shall be deemed equipped with an efficient muffler unless the exhaust gases are condensed and silenced by the continuous circulation of water through the exhaust pipe, or are so muffled as not to be noisier or more annoying than when so condensed and silenced by water circulation through the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine of like power.
(3) Cutouts prohibited. No person shall use any boat, watercraft, muffler cutout or any device whatsoever that operates to discharge exhaust gases of any motor or engine without such gases passing through an efficient muffler.
(4) Speed regulations.
a. No person shall operate any watercraft on any portion of the reservoir at a speed greater than 35 miles per hour. In zone B and while passing under bridges, the rate of speed shall not exceed five miles per hour. No person shall operate any watercraft at a speed greater than at the rate of five miles per hour within a distance of: (1) 50 yards of a diver's flag visibly displayed while diving operations for underwater search, recovery, or repair purposes or specific training in connection therewith are in progress; or (2) 50 yards of a bright or brilliant orange flag visibly displayed while a person is in the water. During the period from sunset to sunrise no person shall operate any watercraft on any portion of the reservoir at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour.
b. Two or more watercraft equipped with motors traveling on the reservoir in such a manner, speed, or direction whereby to be racing or otherwise engaging in a race, speed, contest, or other competitive venture, shall be prohibited unless otherwise authorized as provided in this chapter.
(5) Regattas, racing, and other competitive or special events. Where a regatta, motorboat race, or other competitive or special event is authorized by the general manager of public utilities, the participants acting pursuant to such authority shall not be subject to the general requirements of this chapter unless otherwise specified within this chapter or in the general manager's authorization. Application for authorization herein provided must be made at least 15 days prior to the time the event is to be held and that such application shall set forth date, time, and location where the event is proposed to be held. In no event, shall any event be conducted without authorization of the general manager in writing.
(6) Careless operation.
a. No person shall operate any watercraft in a careless or heedless manner so as to be indifferent to the person or property of other persons or at a rate of speed greater than will permit such person, in the exercise of reasonable care, to bring such watercraft to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
b. No person shall operate any watercraft, or manipulate any water ski, aquaplane, or similar device in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb or damage the property of any person.
c. No person shall operate any watercraft unless each occupant therein is seated inside, except that a person may stand in any watercraft if his center of gravity is below the level of the gunwales or guard rails or if such watercraft is specifically designed for standing operation.
d. No person shall operate any watercraft while any occupant therein is sitting on the gunwales, guard rails, or backrest of seats.
e. No person shall operate a watercraft with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
(7) Life preservers.
a. No person may operate a watercraft unless at least one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is on board for each person.
b. No person may operate a watercraft 16 feet or more in length unless at least one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is on board in addition to at least one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person.
c. Each person operating or occupying a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board or windsurfing board must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest at all times while in or on the vessel.
d. No person may operate a watercraft unless each device required by this section is readily accessible, in serviceable condition, of the appropriate size for the person for whom it is intended, and legibly marked with the United States Coast Guard approval number.
e. All persons 13 years of age or less, and all nonswimmers shall at all times wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices while on board a watercraft.
f. Approved personal flotation devices are defined as U.S. Coast Guard approved life preservers, including life jackets and other personal flotation devices. These devices are classified based on their buoyancy, size and intended use. Labels in all personal flotation devices available for sale in the U.S. effective January 1, 2016, reflect federal code by incorporating specific fields of information, including internationally recognized usage symbols, that will improve the ability of consumers to understand the activities and the size of the user for which a specific device is approved. Following January 1, 2016, watercraft users on Lake Springfield may continue to use existing Type I-V personal flotation devices in the manner and for the purposes for which they are intended for the life of those devices. However, all new and replacement personal flotation devices purchased on or after January 1, 2016, must comply with the federal code effective that date in order to be used on Lake Springfield.
(8) Lighting equipment.
a. It is unlawful to operate any watercraft less than 26 feet in length unless the following lights are carried and displayed when underway from sunset to sunrise:
1. A bright, white light aft to show all around the horizon, visible for a distance of two miles. The word "visible" shall mean visible on a dark night with clear atmosphere.
2. A combination light in the forepart of the watercraft lower than the white light aft, showing green to starboard and red to port, so fixed as to throw a light from dead ahead to two points abaft the beam on their respective sides and visible for a distance of not less than one mile.
b. Every watercraft propelled by muscular power when underway shall carry on board from sunset to sunrise, but not fixed to any part of the boat, a lantern or flashlight capable of showing a white light visible all around the horizon at a distance of two miles or more, and shall display such lantern in sufficient time to avoid collision with another boat or craft.
c. Every watercraft 26 feet or more in length shall carry and display when underway such additional or alternate lights as shall be required by the U.S. Coast Guard for watercraft of equivalent length and type.
d. Sailboats equipped with motors and being propelled partly or solely by such motor shall carry and display the same lights required for motorboats of the same class. Sailboats of less than 26 feet in length, equipped with motors but being propelled entirely by sail between sunset and sunrise, shall have lighted the combination running light, but not the white light aft. Sailboats 26 feet or more in length, equipped with motors but being propelled entirely by sail between sunset and sunrise, shall have lighted the colored side lights suitably screened, but not the white lights prescribed for motorboats.
e. Dinghies, tenders, and other watercraft, whose principle function is an auxiliary to other larger boat or craft, when so operating need carry only a flashlight visible to other craft in the area, anything in this section to the contrary notwithstanding.
(9) Other required equipment.
a. Every motorboat must be equipped with at least one United States Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher so placed as to be readily accessible and in such condition as to be ready for immediate and effective use.
b. Every motorboat must be equipped with an adequate mouth, hand, or power operated whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of two seconds or more duration, and audible for at least one-half mile. No person shall use a motorboat equipped with a siren or to use any red or blue flashing light, except duly designated patrol boats.
c. All watercraft, regardless of size shall be equipped with at least one paddle or oar, and at least one pump or bailer and an anchor with at least a minimum of 50 feet of anchor line. Pontoon boats shall be excluded from the one pump or bailer requirement.
d. Every motorboat equipped with storage batteries shall be provided with suitable supports and secured against shifting with the motion of the boat. Such storage batteries shall be equipped with nonconductive shielding means to prevent accidental shorting of battery terminals.
(10) Renting and passengers.
a. The business of renting watercraft for hire or carrying passengers for hire on the reservoir is prohibited except as may be authorized by special concession granted by the city, but the provisions of this chapter shall apply to all watercraft permitted by special concession, and all such concession watercraft shall be inspected from time to time during their period of operations on the reservoir. Any such watercraft failing to have personal flotation devices as required in this chapter in place, as when licensed or otherwise, or failing to pass inspection shall be made to comply with this chapter before further operation.
b. No individual or employee or any person operating any watercraft carrying passengers for hire shall be permitted to operate such watercraft unless he is physically fit for such duty, has adequate knowledge of the watercraft mechanism, and is familiar with ordinances, rules, and regulations for the operation of watercraft on the reservoir and with the commonly approved safety regulations and measures to be used in case of accident or emergency, including instruction of passengers in the use of safety equipment and their conduct in case of emergency. Each such operator or employee shall at all times be subject to examination and approval by the city as to such qualifications, and any determination by the city as to such qualifications shall be conclusive.
(11) Steering and sailing rules. The following steering and sailing rules shall govern the use and operation of boats on the reservoir.
a. Rule 1. When two sailing boats are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows, namely:
1. A boat which is on the port (left) tack shall keep out of the way of the boat on the starboard (right) tack.
2. When both are on the same tack, with the wind on the same side, the boat which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the boat which is to leeward.
b. Rule 2. When two motor or engine-driven watercraft are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve the risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard (right) so that each shall pass on the port (left) side of the other.
c. Rule 3. When two motor or engine-driven watercraft are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the watercraft which has the other on her own starboard (right) side shall keep out of the way of the other.
d. Rule 4. When a motor or engine-driven watercraft and a sailing boat are proceeding in such directions as to involve the risk of collision, the motor or engine-driven watercraft shall keep out of the way of the sailing boat.
e. Rule 5. The meeting or crossing of two watercraft propelled by oars or muscular power shall be governed in like manner as two motorboats under Rules 2 and 3.
f. Rule 6. When a sailing boat or motor or engine-driven watercraft meets, crosses the course of, or overtakes a watercraft propelled by oars or muscular power, the sailing or motor or engine-driven watercraft shall keep out of the way of the other.
g. Rule 7. Where, by any of the rules herein prescribed one of two watercraft shall keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.
h. Rule 8. Every motor or engine-driven watercraft which is directed by these rules to keep out of the way of another watercraft shall, on approaching her, if necessary slacken her speed or stop or reverse.
i. Rule 9. Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules every watercraft overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the overtaken watercraft.
j. Rule 9a. Watercraft pulling water skiers or surfboard riders shall not be granted any special right-of-way, but must conform to the steering and sailing rules herein provided.
k. Rule 10. In obeying and construing these rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.
l. Rule 11. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any watercraft or the owner or operator from the consequences of any neglect to keep a proper lookout, or of a neglect of any precaution which may be required by the exercise of due care and caution or by the special circumstances of the case.
m. Rule 12. No watercraft shall collide with, run against, strike, injure, deface, or damage any buoy, stake, sign, piling, or other structure installed by the city or with the city's consent or be anchored or moored so as to obstruct the view of any buoy or navigation sign or signal.
(12) Mast height limitations.
a. No watercraft of any kind with a mast more than 35 feet in height shall be permitted to be kept, used, or stored on the north and west basins of the reservoir of Lake Springfield or stored or kept on the north and west basin marginal land. Any watercraft with a mast height which exceeds 35 feet in height shall be permitted to be kept, used, or stored on the central basin of the reservoir of Lake Springfield or stored or kept on the marginal land of the central basin.
b. For purposes of this section, the "North Basin" is defined as that area of the reservoir of Lake Springfield that is located north of the Vachel Lindsay Bridge. The "Central Basin" is that area of the reservoir of Lake Springfield that is centrally located and surrounded by marginal lands and the Vachel Lindsay Bridge on the north and the C and I M railroad trestle on the southwest. The "West Basin" is defined as that area of the reservoir of Lake Springfield west of the C and I M railroad trestle.
(13) Overnight occupancy. No watercraft may be used, nor shall any owner thereof permit such watercraft to be used, for overnight occupancy or for the purposes of a permanent residence by any person, anywhere on the reservoir of Lake Springfield.
(14) Toilet facilities. No marine head (toilet) on any watercraft used upon Lake Springfield may be installed and operated as to permit the discharge of any sewage into the water directly or indirectly. Toilet facilities must be pumped out at an appropriate sewage disposal station.
(15) Intoxication. No person shall operate any watercraft, manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotic drugs. The owner of any watercraft or any person having such in charge or in control shall not authorize or knowingly permit the same to be operated by any person who is under the influence of intoxicating or narcotic drugs.
(16) Pollution of waters. Persons using or operating any watercraft on the water of the reservoir shall do so in such manner as not to create an insanitary condition in or about such waters and shall not pollute such waters by the discharge, in any material amount of oil or other polluting liquid or solid tending to make such waters unwholesome or unfit for water supply purposes or injurious to the aquatic life thereof.
(17) Nuisances. No watercraft shall be used, or operated nor any horn or sound device sounded so as to create a nuisance or disturb the peace or quiet of any neighborhood.
(18) Reservation of rights of city. The city shall at all times have power and authority to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise limit or regulate the keeping, maintenance, or operation of any or all watercraft on the waters of the reservoir should it become necessary to do so in the interest of the public health and safety, or for the protection or improvement of the reservoir or other cause.
(19) Impounding vessels adrift. Any watercraft found abandoned or adrift in the reservoir or any unlicensed watercraft shall be taken up by the city, and the city shall have a lien thereon for all license fees therefor and the expense of taking, towing, keeping, advertising, and selling of the same and for all damages caused by such craft to property of the city and may enforce such lien by advertisement and sale of the craft in like manner as security interests in personal property may be foreclosed under the laws of this state. Nothing herein shall be construed as exonerating the owner or operator of any watercraft from personal liability to the city, or any other person for any damage or injury caused by such boat or craft.
(20) Waiver. The general manager of public utilities may, for good cause shown, waive any of the requirements of this section for watercraft having a special permit.
(21) Diving operations. While diving operations for underwater search, recovery, or repair purposes or specific training in connection therewith are in progress, the diver's flag shall be displayed in the immediate area of such operations in a manner making it visible within 75 yards to any approaching boat or craft. No person shall operate any watercraft at a speed greater than five miles per hour within 50 yards of any watercraft, float, or buoy displaying the diver's flag.
(22) Inspection. Park conservationists, utility security personnel, or any temporary or seasonal employee hired for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter may board and inspect any watercraft at any time for the purpose of determining if the provisions of this section are being complied with.
(23) Iceboat or icecrafts. The use of any iceboat or icecraft on any of the ice of the reservoir in zones B, C, or D is prohibited except on such portion as may be designated by the general manager of public utilities for such purpose and except for iceboating by any custodian, his family, and guests on that part of zones B and C adjoining the marginal land leased to such custodian. Any such iceboating shall not be conducted in a reckless manner or at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having regard for the number of persons on such designated portion. However, nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit any exhibition or contest of speed or iceboat racing on such portions of the ice of the reservoir as may be set aside for that purpose by the general manager of public utilities. The steering and sailing rules set forth in section 96.039(b)(11), insofar as they are applicable, shall govern the use and operation of iceboats and icecrafts on the reservoir.
(c) No boating zones. Boating of any kind or character is prohibited in portions of Zones B, C, and D that have been identified by the City of Springfield as no-boating areas by use of "no-boat" buoys, signage, or any other manner of identification.
(Ord. No. 208-3-96, § 1(Exh. A), 3-20-96; Ord. No. 330-06-02, § 1, 6-18-2002; Ord. No. 663-10-08, § 1(Exh. A), 10-7-08; Ord. No. 333-08-19, § 1(Exh. A), 8-7-19)
