South Dakota Boating Laws and Regulations: What You Need to Know

South Dakota does not require boaters to pass a boating education course before operating a motorized vessel. However, you can take a boater safety course to save on insurance or to boat in states that require a card or certification. We always recommend taking a boater education course — it can help save lives! 

Additionally, there is no minimum age requirement to take a course, and you don’t have to be a resident of South Dakota to take one.

South Dakota requires that every person on board a boat, PWC, or paddle craft (kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, etc.) must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. Boat operators must have enough properly-sized life jackets on board for every passenger. 

Additionally, children under seven years old must wear a PFD (life jacket) while on any vessel operating at greater than “slow, no wake speed” — unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

As we mentioned, there are no mandatory boating education requirements in South Dakota.

However, children under the age of 12 cannot operate a motorboat of more than six horsepower without a person at least 18 years old. The minimum age to operate a PWC is 14 — again, unless the young person is accompanied by a person at least 18 years old. 

South Dakota law does not allow anyone to operate a boat while under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol. That is, operating any vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. 

You are considered to be boating under the influence (BUI) if:

• The alcohol concentration in your breath or blood is 0.08% or more or,
• You are under the influence of any drug, alcohol, or a combination of drugs or alcohol to such a degree that you are incapable of safely operating a vessel.

Remember: When operating any watercraft on South Dakota’s waters, you have given consent to drug or alcohol testing if a law enforcement officer requests it.

If you are involved in a boating accident, you must do a few things to comply with South Dakota boating laws. 

These include:

• Stopping your vessel immediately at the scene.
• Helping people injured or in danger from the accident — unless doing this would endanger your passengers or vessel.
• Provide your name, address, and watercraft identification number to anyone involved in the accident. You must also give this to anyone who suffered property damage as a result of the accident. 

You must also report the accident if it results in:

• The disappearance or death of someone as a result of the accident
• Injury to a person or damage in excess of $1,000 to anyone’s property
• Total damage in excess of $2,000

Property damage may include damage from hitting submerged objects such as rocks, stumps, etc.

For more information about safe boating in South Dakota, contact the Department at:

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
523 East Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501

Enjoy the Water and Follow South Dakota Boating Laws and Regulations

We hope you have fun when enjoying the water! Be sure to follow the South Dakota boating laws we mentioned today and any others that apply. 

We also want you to stay safe every time you venture out on a boat, PWC, or paddleboard. To make sure you know everything you need to know about boating safety, take an online boating education course from BOATsmart! You’ll have fun learning and be prepared for safe adventures on the water. 

Originally published May 17, 2017. Content most recently reviewed and updated for recency and accuracy October 18, 2024.