{"id":80,"date":"2024-10-18T10:42:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T10:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=80"},"modified":"2024-10-21T15:34:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T15:34:03","slug":"south-dakota-boating-laws-and-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/south-dakota-boating-laws-and-regulations\/","title":{"rendered":"South Dakota Boating Laws and Regulations: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You’re ready to go boating in South Dakota, but do you know the rules? Responsible boaters must take the time to learn about local and state boating regulations before hitting the water.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So, what should you know about South Dakota boating laws and regulations? Here’s a quick guide to how the state governs its waters and how to stay legal while enjoying them on your boat, kayak, or personal watercraft (PWC)<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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Who needs a South Dakota Boater Education Card?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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South Dakota does not require boaters to pass a boating education course before operating a motorized vessel. However, you can take a boater safety course to save on insurance or to boat in states that require a card or certification. We always recommend taking a boater education course \u2014 it can help save lives!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additionally, there is no minimum age requirement to take a course, and you don’t have to be a resident of South Dakota to take one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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South Dakota\u2019s Life Jacket Requirements<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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South Dakota requires<\/a> that every person on board a boat, PWC, or paddle craft (kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, etc.) must wear<\/em> a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. Boat operators must have enough properly-sized life jackets on board for every passenger.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additionally, children under seven years old must wear<\/em> a PFD (life jacket<\/a>) while on any vessel operating at greater than \u201cslow, no wake speed\u201d \u2014 unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.<\/p>\n

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South Dakota Boating License Requirements for Personal Watercrafts (PWCs)<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As we mentioned, there are no mandatory boating education requirements in South Dakota.<\/p>\n

However, children under the age of 12 cannot operate a motorboat of more than six horsepower without a person at least 18 years old. The minimum age to operate a PWC is 14 \u2014 again, unless the young person is accompanied by a person at least 18 years old.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Boating and Alcohol<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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South Dakota law does not allow anyone to operate a boat while under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol. That is, operating any vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You are considered to be boating under the influence (BUI) if:<\/p>\n