Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 324. Natural Resources and Environmental Protection § 324.80205

Sec. 80205. (1) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this state unless each person riding on or being towed behind the personal watercraft is wearing a type I, type II, or type III personal flotation device as described in R 281.1234 of the Michigan Administrative Code.

(2) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this state unless each person on board the personal watercraft is wearing a personal flotation device that is not inflatable.

(3) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this state if a child who is under 7 years of age is on board or being towed behind the personal watercraft unless the child is in the company of his or her parent or guardian or a designee of the parent or guardian.

(4) While operating a personal watercraft equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch on the waters of this state, a person shall have the lanyard attached to his or her person, clothing, or personal flotation device as is appropriate for the personal watercraft.

(5) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this state during the period that begins at sunset and ends at 8 a.m. As used in this subsection, “sunset” means that time as determined by the National Weather Service.

(6) A person operating a personal watercraft on the waters of this state shall not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel, other than a personal watercraft, unless the person is operating the personal watercraft at slow--no wake speed. A person who violates this subsection is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.

(7) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this state where the water depth is less than 2 feet, as determined by vertical measurement, unless 1 or both of the following circumstances exist:

(8) A person who violates subsection (7) is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.

(9) A person shall operate a personal watercraft in a reasonable and prudent manner. A maneuver that unreasonably or unnecessarily endangers life, limb, or property, including, but not limited to, all of the following, constitutes reckless operation of a personal watercraft under section 80208:  1

(10) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this state carrying more persons than the personal watercraft is designed to carry.

(11) A violation of subsection (10) is prima facie evidence of reckless operation of a watercraft under section 80208.

(12) A person operating a personal watercraft in excess of the speeds established under part 801  2 is guilty of reckless operation of a personal watercraft under section 80208.

(13) This section does not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate or participating in a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition held in compliance with section 80164  3 under a permit issued by the department and at the time and place specified in the permit.