In Virginia, a person must be how old to legally operate a PWC?

In Virginia, the law requires that a person must be at least 14 years old to legally operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC). This age requirement is established to ensure that operators have reached a sufficient level of maturity and responsibility to handle a PWC, which can be powerful and requires a good understanding of safety practices and navigational rules.

By setting the minimum age at 14, the law aims to minimize risks associated with operating PWCs, especially since these types of watercraft can accelerate quickly and maneuver rapidly, posing dangers if not handled carefully. In addition to age limitations, Virginia also mandates that anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must complete a boating safety course and carry a valid boating safety education identification card while operating a PWC, reinforcing the importance of education in fostering safe boating practices.