As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any boat or personal watercraft powered by an electric or internal combustion engine permanently or temporarily affixed to such boat.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted as Rev. Ords. 1964, §§ 12-19 to 12-25 (§ 14-13 of the 2010 Code); amended 12-5-2023]
All watercraft operated on any inland waters within the City shall be registered with the Police Department and shall bear a number on both sides of not less than four inches in height and 1/2 inch in thickness, assigned by such Department, in a form clearly visible from a distance of not less than 100 yards.
Watercraft shall at all times be operated at a reasonable and proper speed and manner, having regard for the safety of the public.
A.
Speed at night regulated. Watercraft shall not be operated on any inland waters within the City at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour after 7:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour after sunset, whichever is earlier, or before 9:00 a.m.
B.
Speed close to shore regulated. Watercraft shall not be operated on any inland waters within the City within 75 yards of any shoreline at speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour.
C.
Speed close to bathing beaches regulated. Watercraft shall not be operated at a speed in excess of five miles per hour within 100 yards of a bathing beach.
D.
No person, except a public safety official in the performance of their duties, shall operate a watercraft on a lake within the City in excess of 25 miles per hour.
All boats operated after 1/2 hour after sunset and before 1/2 hour before sunrise shall be equipped with a light for emergency use.