18A.40.090 Aquatic Events.
All events on water are subject to the regulations set forth in this Chapter, unless otherwise specified in this Section:
A. An individual or organization planning to hold a regatta, race, or aquatic event which by its nature, circumstances or location may introduce extra or unusual hazards to the safety of life on the waters of the County, shall submit an application to the Department. The application shall, at a minimum, be reviewed by the Sheriff, Parks and Recreation, and Finance Department.
B. Where such events are to be held regularly or repeatedly in a single area by an individual or organization, the Department may, subject to conditions, grant a permit for such series of events for a fixed period of time, not to exceed one year.
C. Applications shall include the following details.
1. Name and address of the sponsoring organization.
2. Name, address, and telephone number of person or persons in charge of the event.
3. Nature and purpose of the event.
4. Information as to general interest.
5. Estimated number and types of vessels participating.
6. Estimated number of spectator vessels.
7. Estimated number of persons, participants, and all others.
8. Minimum number of vessels and persons furnished by sponsoring organization to patrol the event.
9. A time schedule and description of activities.
10. A scale drawing showing the boundaries of the event, various water courses, or areas to be utilized by participants, officials, and spectators.
D. Upon receiving an application to hold a regatta, race, or aquatic event, the Sheriff and Parks and Recreation shall take the following actions or make the following determinations:
1. That the proposed regatta, race, or aquatic event may be held at the proposed location with safety to life;
2. That the interest of safety of life and property requires changes in the application before it can be approved;
3. That the event requires no regulation or patrol at the proposed location;
4. That the application is to be recommended for approval or rejection by the County Executive for stated reasons; and
5. The recommendations shall be sent to the Department at least 30 days prior to event.
E. The Department may, before taking action on the application, require the applicant to petition or poll the property owners on the lake who could be affected by the event. The Department may also require that the applicant post notice in the local paper and/or at the proposed site of the event, prior to taking action on the application.
F. The Sheriff may close for general use any part or whole of a lake for the purpose of the aquatic event.
G. If the Sheriff deems safety requires, one or more Sheriff's Department vessels may be assigned to the event for the purpose of enforcing not only the event regulations, but also for assistance work and the enforcement of laws generally. The Sheriff may charge a fee for services provided under this Section.
1. Nothing in the provisions of this Section shall be construed to mean that the operator of a vessel competing in a race, regatta, or trials, which has been duly authorized, or an operator engaged in industrial development and testing of experimental and product vessels, shall be prohibited from attempting to obtain high speed on approved racing and testing courses, nor while so engaged shall such vessels or operators be required to comply with RCW 79A.60.130.