Sec. 17-16. Boating.

(a) Restriction from protected swimming areas. No person shall bring into or operate any watercraft upon any waters designated as a public swimming or bathing area, unless during a sailing regatta or other activity sponsored or authorized in writing by the appropriate governing official.

(b) Protection of markers. No person shall tie or secure any watercraft to a marker or piling used to designate a protected swimming or bathing area.

(c) Berthing or securing watercraft. No person shall tie or secure or berth any commercial watercraft to a public wharf, dock, pier or beach without a permit. The appropriate governing official may also prohibit noncommercial watercraft from being tied, secured or berthed at a public wharf, dock, pier or beach by posting appropriate signs.

(d) Water-skiing or using personal watercraft. Water-skiing or using personal watercraft, as such term is defined in section 29.1-744.1, Code of Virginia, within fifty feet (50') of boat launching areas, piers, cofferdams, docks, mooring areas, or within one hundred (100) feet of designated swimming areas is prohibited.