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Georgia boating safety handbook Georgia Department of Natural Resources

It's The Law: Specifically for Skiing

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device have additional laws they must follow.

Requirements for Towing Skiers

  • It is illegal for boats or PWCs to tow persons on water skis, a skiboard, or any device of this type between sunset and sunrise.
  • It is illegal for the operator of the towing vessel or person(s) being towed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • A boat or PWC must not tow persons on water skis or similar devices within 100 feet of a vessel not underway or adrift, a dock or pier, a bridge, a person in the water, a shoreline adjacent to a residence, a public park or beach, a swimming area, a marina, a restaurant, or any other public use area.
  • The person being towed must wear a ski belt; ski jacket; or Type I, II, or III personal flotation device that is properly fitted and fastened.
  • Every boat towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have on board:
    • A person, in addition to the boat operator, capable of observing the towed person(s) at all times or ...
    • A wide-angle rearview mirror mounted such that the operator can observe the towed person(s) at all times.
  • Every PWC towing a person(s) on water skis or similar device must be rated by the manufacturer to carry three or more persons and must have on board a person, in addition to the PWC operator, capable of observing the towed person(s) at all times. A wide-angle mirror may not be used in place of an observer on PWCs.

Hand Signals for Skiers

Knowing proper hand signals will help the skier(s) communicate with their boat operator or the observer.

Hand Signal-Back to Dock
Back to dock
Hand Signal-Skier OK
Skier OK
Hand Signal-Skier Down
Skier down—watch!
Hand Signal-Speed Up
Speed up
Hand Signal-Slow Down
Slow down
Hand Signal-Speed OK
Speed OK
Hand Signal-Turn Left
Turn left
Hand Signal-Turn Right
Turn right
Hand Signal-Stop
Stop
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Online boating safety handbook last modified: June 16, 2008
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