S 1297 General Bill, By Gregory
 A Bill to amend Section 50-21-850, as amended, Code of Laws of South Carolina,
 1976, relating to flotation equipment used for water sports, so as to include
 a wetsuit as a flotation device for water skiing or surfboarding.

   03/27/96  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-7
   03/27/96  Senate Referred to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry SJ-7

A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-850, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FLOTATION EQUIPMENT USED FOR WATER SPORTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A WETSUIT AS A FLOTATION DEVICE FOR WATER SKIING OR SURFBOARDING.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Section 50-21-850 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 181 of 1993, is further amended to read:

"Section 50-21-850. No person shall may water ski or ride on a surfboard or similar object unless he the person is wearing a ski belt, a life preserver, a wetsuit which contains foam, or similar equipment which will keep the person afloat should he the person fall or be thrown into the water. Participants in scheduled water ski tournaments or shows sponsored by a recognized water ski club are exempt from this requirement. Persons holding ratings of first class or higher in the American Water Ski Association are exempt from this requirement. Windsurfers and sailboarders are exempt from this requirement."

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.