It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

Requirements for Towing Skiers     IC 14-15-3-20; IC 14-15-12-7

• Every boat or PWC towing a person(s) on water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device must have a person on board, in addition to the operator, observing the towed person(s) at all times.
• If towing a person behind a personal watercraft, the PWC must be at least nine (9) feet in length and be rated for three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
• All persons being towed behind a boat or PWC on water skis or any other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD. Ski belts are not USCG–approved.
• Persons may be towed behind a boat or PWC during daylight hours only.

Water-Skiing / Tubing on the Ohio River     312 IAC 5-13-5

Several laws for water-skiing and tubing on the Ohio River differ from those of other Indiana waterways.

• The operator of the towing vessel may have either an observer on board or use a rearview mirror.
  
  
  • If an observer is used, he or she must be at least 12 years of age.
  • If a rearview mirror is used, the mirror must have at least a 160-degree-wide angle of vision and be mounted so that the operator can see the person being towed.
  • A mirror is not allowed if towing a kite. There must be an observer at least 12 years of age on board.
• The hours are extended to one (1) hour before sunrise to one (1) hour after sunset.
• Anyone being towed on water skis, a surfboard, a kite, or similar device must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD (Type V PFDs are not approved).

Hand Signals for Skiers

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

Back to dock	Skier OK	Skier down—Watch!
Speed up	Slow down	Speed OK
Turn left	Turn right	Stop