It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Towing Requirements
• Hand Signals

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

Requirements for Towing Skiers

• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device must have a person, in addition to the vessel operator, observing the towed person(s) at all times.
• It is illegal to tow persons on water skis, surfboards, or any device of this type between:
  • One hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise if towed behind a boat
  • Sunset and 8:00 a.m. if towed behind a PWC
• Persons being towed must stay at least 100 feet away from:
  • A shoreline (if operating in water less than three feet deep)
  • Any moored or anchored vessel
  • A dock or raft
  • Any marked swimming area or person(s) in the water
• Those being towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard—approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs may not be used.

Hand Signals for Skiers

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

Skier OK	Skier-down—watch!
Speed up	Slow down
Speed OK	Turn left
Turn right	Stop