Water-skiing confined to ski zones.
Columbus City Codes § 921.14
in effect921.14 - Water-skiing confined to ski zones.
(A) Any person who rides or attempts to ride upon one (1) or more water-skis, surfboard, or similar device, or who engages or attempts to engage in barefoot skiing, and any person who operates a vessel towing a person riding or attempting to ride on one (1) or more water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or engaging or attempting to engage in barefoot-skiing, shall confine that activity to the water area within a designated ski zone on all bodies of water whereon a ski zone has been established.
(B) On all bodies of water designated as "open zone", that is, having a combined speed and ski zone, the activities described in subsection (A) of this section shall be confined to the open zone.
(C) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waterways of the city in violation of this section.
(D) Water-skiing in the Griggs and O'Shaughnessy Reservoir, and White Sulphur Quarry, shall be conducted under the following restrictions and no participant shall fail to comply:
(1) All towropes shall be of equal length, if the same vessel tows multiple skiers.
(2) No towline shall exceed seventy-five (75) feet in length, including the length of the yoke from the rear of the transom.
(3) Any vessel towing a water-skier shall at all times be operated on a counterclockwise course parallel to the thread of the waterway and at no time operated in a zigzag or circular course, nor closer than one hundred (100) feet to the shore.
(a) Exception: Skiers may make the return trip back through the slalom course; however, if up bound and down bound vessels meet head on in the slalom course the up bound/northbound vessel will give way.
(4) In the event of a fallen skier(s) the operator of the towing vessel shall immediately reduce the vessel speed and proceed without delay by the most direct route to the fallen skier.
(5) "Shallow water" and "dry water starts" will be permitted in the water sports practice and tournament zones and the White Sulphur Quarry. In the case of shallow water starts, the skier shall be at least fifty (50) feet from shore at the time of the start. The tow vessel, for both shallow and dry water starts, shall be at least seventy-five (75) feet from the shore.
(6) After starts, skiers must maintain at least a one hundred (100) foot interval between the skier and all shorelines.
(7) Swimming will only be permitted to effect a rescue.
(8) No person shall leave a ski afloat in the water unattended.
(9) While skiing is being conducted no vessel shall be anchored in the water sports practice and tournament zones more than fifty (50) feet from shore.
(10) The public may participate in the water sports practice and tournament zones.
(11) No person, operating a vessel or motor vehicle, shall tow or pull in waterways a person having possession or control of an airfoil device or similar device capable of lifting a person airborne. No person, having possession or control of an airfoil device or similar device capable of lifting them airborne, shall permit themselves to be towed in any waterway.
(12) Law enforcement officers, upon proper cause, may cause skiing to cease when conditions are such as to render water skiing hazardous. This will be accomplished by placing red flags at the buoys designating the water sports practice and tournament zones. If skiing is ordered stopped, the stoppage shall be of not less than one (1) hour's duration.
(13) Inner tubes or other inflatable contrivances used as water-ski devices will not be permitted on the waterways of this city, except that intellectually disabled persons may use inner tubes, other inflatable contrivances, or knee boards as water-ski devices with prior permission from Recreation and Parks, permits section.
(A) No person shall tow, or be towed upon, any skiing device unless specifically authorized by this section.
(14) No operator of any vessel shall tow any person who fails to comply with this section.
(15) The city shall assume no responsibility whatsoever for the safety of person or vessel using or attempting to use the water sports practice and tournament zones as designated or the White Sulphur Quarry and at the related facilities thereto with or without permission. All ski clubs and any other organization using or attempting to use the water sports practice and tournament zones shall agree that the city shall not be held liable and shall agree to save and hold harmless the city from any claim or claims and actions at law for property damaged or personal injuries resulting to any person or persons arising out of the use of the water sports practice and tournament zones.
(Ord. 805-05 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT9STPAPUPRCO_CH921WARE_921.14WAIICOSKZOFetched: 10/27/2026