West Virginia § 20-4A-1 Waters where diving is permitted; exceptions

West Virginia Statutes

§ 20-4A-1 — Waters where diving is permitted; exceptions

West Virginia § 20-4A-1

Ch. 20NATURAL RESOURCES

Art. 4ASKIN AND SCUBA DIVING

This text of West Virginia § 20-4A-1 (Waters where diving is permitted; exceptions) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering West Virginia primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

W. Va. Code § 20-4A-1 (2026).

Text

(a)Skin and scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving is permitted in all waters in this state, including natural and artificial lakes, except in the following areas:

(1)Within one hundred feet of boat ramps, controlled swimming areas, marina areas and fishing piers marked for use by physically disabled persons;

(2)Designated hazards areas;

(3)Areas near dams and outlet structures in artificial lakes;

(4)Heavily traveled boat lanes;

(5)Narrow channels; and

(6)Areas where visibility is obscured.

(b)The provisions of this section shall not apply to professional skin or scuba divers engaged in demolition, salvage, construction, rescue or repair work in the regular course of their business.

Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI

(a) Skin and scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving is permitted in all waters in this state, including natural and artificial lakes, except in the following areas:

(1) Within one hundred feet of boat ramps, controlled swimming areas, marina areas and fishing piers marked for use by physically disabled persons;

(2) Designated hazards areas;

(3) Areas near dams and outlet structures in artificial lakes;

(4) Heavily traveled boat lanes;

(5) Narrow channels; and

(6) Areas where visibility is obscured.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to professional skin or scuba divers engaged in demolition, salvage, construction, rescue or repair work in the regular course of their business.