It's the Law: Specifically for Skiers and Those Towing Them
Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water-skis, aquaplanes,
or any similar devices must obey these laws:
Towing a Person Legally with a Vessel (625 ILCS 45/5-14)
When a vessel is pulling a person on water-skis, aquaplanes, or
similar devices, the operator must have a competent person on board
to act as an observer.
 All vessels, including PWCs, that are towing a person(s) on water-skis,
aquaplanes, or similar devices must be designed and recommended
by the manufacturer to accommodate the operator, observer, and
person(s) being towed.
A person may not be towed from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour
before sunrise.
Those towing skiers on water-skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices
and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent manner.
- Vessels towing persons must maintain a reasonable distance
from other persons and property so as not to endanger the life
or property of any person.
- It is illegal to operate the vessel or manipulate the towing
rope, water-skis, or other devices such that the towed device
or person collides with any other person or object.
Hand Signals for Skiers
Knowing proper hand signals will help the skier(s) communicate
with their boat operator or the observer.
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