How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, there is no single minimum age to drive every type of boat. Instead, the rules focus on the operator’s age, the boat’s horsepower, and whether an adult is on board. Children under 12 years old may not operate a motorboat powered by more than 6 horsepower unless a person 18 or older is on board. For personal watercraft (PWCs) like jet skis, the rules are stricter: no one under 14 may operate a PWC unless an adult (18+) is riding with them. South Dakota does not currently require a mandatory boating safety course, but training is strongly recommended and may be needed when boating in other states.

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in South Dakota

General Boating Age Requirements

South Dakota law sets specific age rules for motorboats based on horsepower, while leaving non-motorized vessels more flexible.

• Motorboats powered by more than 6 horsepower:
  • Under 12 years old: May not operate a motorboat with more than 6 hp unless a person at least 18 years old is on board the boat.
  • 12 years and older: May operate a motorboat with more than 6 hp without a specific state boating education requirement, as long as they follow all safety and navigation rules.
• Motorboats powered by 6 horsepower or less:
  • The state’s age restriction statute for motorboats does not apply to engines of 6 hp or less, but parents and guardians are expected to ensure that children are capable of operating safely.
• Non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks, small sailboats):
  • South Dakota does not set a specific minimum age for non-powered vessels. However, all operators must follow life jacket and safety rules, and adults are responsible for supervising minors on the water.

In practice, this means that younger children can help operate small, low-horsepower boats under close supervision, while teens may operate typical fishing boats or runabouts as long as they comply with horsepower and supervision rules.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

South Dakota law clearly spells out when an adult must be on board with a youth operator:

• For motorboats with engines over 6 horsepower, any operator under 12 must be accompanied on board by a person who:
  • Is at least 18 years old, and
  • Is capable of taking immediate control of the boat.
• For PWCs, any operator under 14 must have a person 18 or older on board (details in the PWC section below).

In this context, an “adult” is defined as a person 18 years of age or older. The supervising adult must be physically on board the vessel—being nearby in another boat or on shore does not satisfy the supervision requirement.

Boating License or Education Requirements

Does South Dakota Require a Boating Safety Course?

South Dakota is one of the few states that currently does not have a mandatory boating education law for recreational boat operators. There is no state-issued “boating license,” and most adults may legally operate motorboats and PWCs without a boater education card under state law.

However, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and national boating safety organizations strongly recommend taking a certified boating safety course because:

• It teaches core safety and navigation rules that prevent accidents.
• Some other states require proof of boating education if you take your South Dakota-registered boat onto their waters.
• Many insurers offer discounts for boaters who have completed an approved course.

Online and classroom options that are recognized by South Dakota GFP and national organizations are available, and there is generally no minimum age to take a course—young boaters can start learning early.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

Because South Dakota does not mandate boater education by age or date of birth, there is no traditional “grandfather clause” like other states use (for example, exempting people born before a certain date). Instead:

• Most adults and teens may operate motorboats and PWCs without a state-required course, as long as they follow the age and supervision rules for motorboats over 6 hp and PWCs.
• Boat rental companies and marinas may set their own stricter policies, such as:
  • Requiring renters to be at least 18 or 21.
  • Requiring proof of boating safety education, especially for PWCs.
• Boaters using South Dakota as a home base but traveling to other states may be subject to those states’ education laws, which often require a boater education card for certain ages or horsepower levels.

Always check the latest information with South Dakota GFP and with any state where you plan to boat, as rules can change.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski (PWC) in South Dakota?

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

South Dakota law has a specific statute for personal watercraft (PWCs), such as jet skis and similar craft.

• Under 14 years old:
  • May not operate a PWC, regardless of horsepower, unless a person who is at least 18 years old is on board the craft.
• 14 years and older:
  • May operate a PWC without an adult on board, provided they comply with all other boating and safety laws.

Because PWCs are powerful and highly maneuverable, they are treated more strictly than many small boats. Even when it is legal for a 14- or 15-year-old to operate a PWC alone, many families still choose to supervise closely or require a boating safety course first.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Violating South Dakota’s age and supervision rules for motorboats and PWCs can lead to enforcement action. Under state law:

• Allowing a child under 12 to operate a motorboat over 6 hp without an adult on board, or
• Allowing a child under 14 to operate a PWC without an adult on board

is a misdemeanor offense under the South Dakota watercraft statutes. These violations are generally treated as Class 2 misdemeanors, which can carry:

• Up to 30 days in county jail, and
• Fines of up to $500, plus court costs.

In addition to these penalties, more serious violations—such as reckless operation, boating under the influence (BUI), or causing injury—can result in higher penalties and additional charges. Parents and boat owners may also be held responsible if they give permission for an underage operator to break the law.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Boat in South Dakota

Steps to Getting Your Boating License

While South Dakota does not require a boating “license,” many boaters choose to earn a boating safety education certificate. This certificate is recognized in many other states and helps you become a safer operator. Here is how to get certified:

• 1. Enroll in an approved boating safety course.
  • Choose a course that is approved by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and meets national standards.
  • Options often include free or low-cost online courses and occasional in-person classes.
• 2. Study key boating safety topics.
  • Boat handling, docking, and operating at different speeds.
  • Navigation rules, right-of-way, and reading buoys and markers.
  • Required safety equipment and life jacket rules.
  • Weather awareness, cold-water safety, and emergency procedures.
• 3. Pass the final exam.
  • Most courses end with a multiple-choice test covering state and federal boating rules and safe practices.
• 4. Receive and carry your certificate.
  • After you pass, you’ll receive a boater education card or certificate.
  • Carry this card when operating a boat or PWC, especially if you travel to states that require proof of education.

Recademics, as an approved boating-education provider, can help South Dakota boaters complete high-quality course content that prepares them to boat legally and safely across the country.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

• Always wear a life jacket.
  • Choose a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket that fits correctly and is appropriate for your size and activity.
• Never operate without required adult supervision.
  • If you are under 12 on a motorboat over 6 hp, or under 14 on a PWC, an adult 18+ must be on board under South Dakota law.
• Learn navigation rules and right-of-way basics.
  • Understanding who must give way, how to pass safely, and what different buoys mean will reduce your risk of collisions.
• Take your boating safety course early.
  • Even though South Dakota does not require it, completing a course before you operate on your own builds confidence and skills.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions.
  • Keep your eyes on the water and both hands ready to control the boat. Avoid using your phone or headphones while operating.
• Never mix boating with alcohol or drugs.
  • Operating under the influence is illegal and especially dangerous for young or inexperienced operators.

Summary

In South Dakota, the answer to “How old do you have to be to drive a boat?” depends on the type of boat, engine size, and whether an adult is on board:

• Motorboats over 6 horsepower: Children under 12 may operate only if a person 18 or older is on board. Age 12 and up may operate without a state-mandated course, though safety training is strongly recommended.
• Personal watercraft (PWCs): The minimum age to operate alone is 14. Under 14, a person may only operate a PWC if an adult (18+) is on board.
• Boating education: South Dakota does not currently require a boating license or mandatory boater education, but completing a recognized course is highly recommended and may be required when boating in other states or by rental companies.

For families and young boaters, the safest approach is to combine clear knowledge of South Dakota’s age and supervision rules with a strong boating education. Recademics can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to operate legally and confidently on South Dakota’s lakes and rivers and beyond.