(a) During emergency situations, such as actual or projected high water levels or flooding, and in the interest of preserving the safety of persons and property, the director, or his or her designee, may restrict or order the closure of all or any part of the waters in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, its tributaries and distributaries, and Suisun Bay, Grizzly Bay, and Honker Bay and their tributaries and distributaries to recreational vessels.

(b) In accordance with Section 660 of the Harbors and Navigation Code, all emergency restrictions or closures issued by the Department shall be effective for no more than 60 days. However, the director, or his or her designee may issue new restrictions or closures when the emergency is expected to continue beyond the 60 day period, after a public hearing is held by the department to receive comments from the public.

(c) The director, or his or her designee, may rescind or modify the restrictions or closures based on the status of the emergency conditions and/or the information or testimony provided at the public hearing referenced in subsection (b) above.

(d) When the director, or his or her designee, determines that the emergency situation, such as high water levels or flooding, has diminished, a notice shall be issued to law enforcement agencies, marinas, and news organizations rescinding the restrictions or closure.