Chapter 7.76
RAFTING AND FLOATING
Sections:
7.76.010 Purpose of provisions.
7.76.030 Rafting or floating on unsafe waterways restricted.
7.76.040 Chapter provisions not exclusive.
7.76.010 Purpose of provisions.
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Cruz expressly finds that persons rafting or floating in or on unsafe waterways create health and safety risks to themselves and members of rescue agencies called to rescue them and dilute the resources of such rescue agencies. The provisions of this chapter are enacted for the purpose of regulating rafting or floating in or on waterways in the County. [Ord. 5298 § 18, 2019; Ord. 2894, 1980; prior code § 8.30.010].
7.76.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(A) To “raft or float” means to enter a waterway with or without a raft, pontoon, buoy, surfboard, innertube, air mattress, or any other vessel or material for floating on water, and to drift, float, ride, swim, navigate or otherwise travel on the waterway.
(B) “Unsafe waterway” means any waterway in the County of Santa Cruz during that period of time for which the County Administrative Officer has issued a written declaration that all waterways, or the particular waterway in question, are in an unsafe condition to raft or float upon. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as any indication by the County that it is safe to raft or float in or on any waterway in the absence of such a declaration of unsafe condition.
(C) “Waterway” means a freshwater river, creek, stream, channel or other runnel through or along which water runs in the County. [Ord. 2894, 1980; prior code § 8.30.020].
7.76.030 Rafting or floating on unsafe waterways restricted.
No person shall raft or float in or upon an unsafe waterway in the County unless wearing a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, Type III. No person shall reenter an unsafe waterway in the County after being rescued from such a waterway. [Ord. 2894, 1980; prior code § 8.30.030].
7.76.040 Chapter provisions not exclusive.
It is the intention of the Board of Supervisors in enacting this chapter to provide an additional remedy to meet a particular problem. It is not the intent of the Board to supersede any other applicable laws or regulations relating to rafting or floating in or on unsafe waterways in the County. [Ord. 2894, 1980; prior code § 8.30.050].
7.76.050 Violation—Penalty.
A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and punishable as provided by this code. [Ord. 3620 § 5, 1985; Ord. 2894, 1980; prior code § 8.30.040].