Johnson v. Seipel

Michael Seipel, doing business as Michael Seipel's Barefoot International Training Centers, Ltd. (Seipel), appeals from a judgment awarding Thomas and Peggy Johnson $22,500 for damage to the Johnsons' shoreline property caused by the operation of Seipel's water-skiing school. Seipel argues that since the evidence demonstrates that he safely operated his boats in a manner appropriate for water-skiing and in conformity with state and local boating laws, he owes no further duty to riparian owners to refrain from damaging their property. While the law recognizes a person's right to the use and…