It's the Law: Specifically for Skiers and Those Towing Them
Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water-skis, aquaplane,
kneeboard, tube, or a similar device have additional laws they
must follow.
Towing Skiers
- It is illegal to tow a person on water-skis or similar devices
behind a PWC.
 Every
vessel towing a person(s) on water-skis or similar devices must
have on board, in addition to the operator, an observer at least
12 years of age constantly observing the person being towed.- Each person being towed behind a vessel on water-skis or similar
devices must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD.
- It is illegal for vessels to tow a person(s) on water-skis
or similar devices between the hours from sunset to sunrise.
- All vessels towing a person on water-skis or similar devices
must be equipped with a ladder, steps, platform, or similar device
that can be used to pull the person being towed from the water.
- Everyone engaged in water-skiing—the operator and the
towed person(s)—must conduct themselves in a safe and responsible
manner:
- Water-skiers must ski at a safe distance to prevent their
wash from being thrown into or causing excessive rocking
to other vessels, rafts or floats.
- The towing vessel must not be operated within 150 feet
of shorelines being used as swimming areas, or within 75
feet of floats or markers that designate swimming areas.
- It is illegal for the vessel operator or the towed person
to do so while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled
substance.
- Water-skiing is not permitted on some Massachusetts waterways.
Check before you go out.
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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