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Personal watercraft operators will have to be at least 14 years old to drive the units on North Carolina lakes and shorelines in a bill now awaiting Gov. Mike Easley's signature.
The bill also would require personal watercraft users who are 14 and 15 to either share the craft with someone who is at least 18 or who has completed an approved boating safety education course.
The House gave final legislative approval in a 92-14 vote on Monday. The Senate approved the measure June 16.
The age requirement is currently 12. If Easley signs the bill into law, children who are 12 before Nov. 1, 2005, would be able to continue to operate the watercraft.
