ORD 95-31 HIGH SPEED WATERCRAFT NEAR HEAD OF EAGLE HARBORORDINANCE NO. 95-31
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Bainbridge Island pertaining
to the operation of high speed watercraft near the Head
of Eagle Harbor, between Stetson (also known as "Hornbeck")
Spit and the Aquatic Conservancy area (hereinafter referred
to as "Head of Eagle Harbor").
WHEREAS, the Head of Eagle Harbor is well recognized as productive fish and wildlife
habitat, and
WHEREAS, many property owners and small watercraft users value the Head of Eagle
Harbor for its quiet and calm character, and
WHEREAS, the Head of Eagle Harbor has historically been enjoyed by water skiers, and
is one of only a few places in and around Bainbridge Island well suited for water skiing, and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes water skiing and other forms of high speed
water recreation are healthy and popular activities among Bainbridge youth which should be
accommodated in a manner consistent with public safety and which does not degrade productive
fish and wildlife habitat, and
WHEREAS, the Head of Eagle Harbor is too small to accommodate both water skiing
and other forms of high speed water recreation, and
WHEREAS, other forms of high speed water recreation are not dependent upon the quiet
and calm conditions ordinarily occurring in the Head of Eagle Harbor, and
WHEREAS, there are within the City of Bainbridge Island bays, harbors and other bodies
of water suitable for high speed water recreation, in addition to water skiing, and
WHERF. AS , if properly regulated and supervised waterskiing in the head of Eagle Harbor
can be performed safely and without substantially degrading the wildlife habitat, property values
or character of Eagle Harbor,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Bainbridge Island do ordain as
follows:
Section 1. The speed limit throughout Eagle Harbor shall be 5 knots beginning at
buoy No. 5, and extending westward to the end of the harbor, except as provided in
Section 2.
Section 2. From May 1, through September 15th, watercraft 13' to 22' in length
operating between Stetson (also known as "Hornbeck") Spit and the Aquatic Conservancy
area at the extreme west end of Eagle Harbor may exceed the 5 knot limit between 7:00
AM and 8:00 PM (but not before sunrise or after sunset), while towing a person on one
or two waterskis or other rigid board designed for such purposes.
Section 3. Any water craft exceeding the 5 knot limit in accordance with Section 2, shah
carry at least two (2) occupants, remain a minimum of 200 feet from the shoreline and
from the end of docks, except when beginning or ending a water skiing run, and outside
the Aquatic Conservancy area and abide by all other local, state and federal regulations.
Section 4. There shall be a maximum of two (2) water craft operating in accordance
with Section 2, at any one time.
Section 5. Violation of this chapter shah be a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up
to $250.00 for each violation.
Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force five days
from and after its passage, approval, and publication as required by law.
PASSED by the City Council this 7th day of Septemb~r1995.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 7th day of Septembex; 1995.
JANET K. WEST,' May~c r
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
APPROVI~.D AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: July 28, 1995
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: September 7, 1995
PUBLISHED: September 13, 1995
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 18, 1995
ORDINANCE NO.: 95-31