Assault by watercraft — Penalty.
RCW 79A.60.060
in effect(1) "Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body. (2) A person is guilty of assault by watercraft if he or she operates any vessel: (a) In a reckless manner, and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another; or (b) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 79A.60.040 , and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another. (3) When the injury is caused by a skier towed by a vessel, the operator of the vessel is not guilty of assault by watercraft. (4) A violation of this section is punishable as a class B felony according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(1) "Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body.
(2) A person is guilty of assault by watercraft if he or she operates any vessel:
(a) In a reckless manner, and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another; or
(b) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 79A.60.040 , and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another.
(3) When the injury is caused by a skier towed by a vessel, the operator of the vessel is not guilty of assault by watercraft.
(4) A violation of this section is punishable as a class B felony according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.60&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026