Supervisors Tentatively OK Ban on Motorized Skis

The Board of Supervisors tentatively approved an ordinance Tuesday outlawing the use of motorized skis within 300 yards of any Los Angeles County beach and requiring riders to launch from boat ramps.

The ordinance, which was approved without dissent but will require a second board vote, also prohibits fishing within 100 feet of swimmers or surfers and restricts the volume on radios to the limit required in residential neighborhoods. Although the motorized skis--the best-known brand is “Jet Ski” manufacturered by Kawasaki--have created only sporadic problems on county beaches, the ordinance is designed to prevent hazards to beach-goers and protect swimmers from a growing number of anglers.

Motorized skis, which skim waves in excess of 35 m.p.h., have been restricted in a variety on coastal areas because of potential danger to swimmers and surfers.