Under what condition can a law enforcement officer instruct a vessel operator to return to mooring?

A law enforcement officer may instruct a vessel operator to return to mooring if the vessel does not have enough personal flotation devices (PFDs) on board. This is a critical safety concern, as PFDs are essential for the safety of all passengers in the event of an emergency or accident on the water. According to Wisconsin boating regulations, every vessel must have a sufficient number of U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs for each person on board. If a vessel is found to be lacking in this area, it poses a significant risk to its occupants, prompting law enforcement to take action to ensure their safety and enforce compliance with safety regulations.

While other conditions may also warrant law enforcement intervention, the absence of adequate PFDs directly endangers the lives of everyone aboard and is a primary reason for requiring a vessel to return to mooring.