Wisconsin Senate votes to eliminate water ski spotters

MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate approved a bill that would end the requirement for water ski spotters.

The Republican bill would allow a pilot to operate a boat pulling someone on water skis without a spotter on board as long as the boat has a wide-angle rearview mirror.

State senators approved the bill last spring but the Assembly modified the measure in November to allow local municipalities to require spotters on inland lakes with water safety patrol units that perform at least 1,500 hours of enforcement or search and rescue activities every two years.

Wisconsin’s upper house approved the changes, however, meaning the bill will move forward to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk for signature or veto.

Note: This Associated Press article was updated to reflect the most up-to-date news of the bill’s status.