§ 22-91. Operation of canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized vessels on lakes, ponds, river or streams except for the portion of the San Antonio River between Hildebrand Avenue and South Alamo St.

(a)

Canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized vessels may be operated in any public lake, pond, river or stream within the city limits, but only in areas designated for such use by the director of parks and recreation. Such areas shall not include:

(1)

The San Antonio River between Hildebrand Avenue and South Alamo St. which is covered by sections 22-143 and 22-144, or

(2)

On man-made drainage channels. Operation of non-motorized vessels in the excepted areas must be by special permit issued in the discretion of the director of parks and recreation or the director of downtown operations.

(b)

All persons operating allowed vessels on the above reference bodies of water shall wear a life preserver vest in an appropriate manner at all times. The city does not have knowledge of the condition or quality of any water way or its suitability for use in canoeing or kayaking. Any operation of the above referenced vessels is at the sole risk of the user.

(c)

The director of parks and recreation may temporarily prohibit operation of vessels on such bodies of water during flood hazard times or at other times to protect the public health and safety.

(d)

The operation of canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized vessels is prohibited during special events (such as 4 ^th of July fireworks and model boat races) on notice of the director of the parks and recreation department.

(e)

Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 2008-04-17-0317, § 12, 4-17-08)