It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, surfboard, or any other device have additional laws.

Requirements for Towing Skiers (66-12-11 NMSA 1978; 66-12-14 NMSA 1978; BAR 13)

It is illegal to tow a person(s) between one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
All persons being towed must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD.
It is illegal to tow a person(s) within 150 feet of any public dock (other than a ski dock), mooring line, launching ramp, boat, fisherman, swimmer, or any person not also engaged in the same activity.
The person operating the towing vessel must not operate the vessel in a manner that would cause the object being towed to collide with any other object or person.
The water-skier or person riding on the object being towed:
- Must not manipulate the object so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.
- Must not be legally intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.
Every motorboat (other than a PWC) towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:
- An observer, other than the vessel operator on board or…
- A device such as a wide-angle rearview mirror that gives the operator an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed.
Every PWC towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:
- Manufacturer-approved seating for at least three people with a vacant seat for the skier and ...
- An observer on board, in addition to the operator.
Vessels towing a person(s) on water skis or similar device must carry on board a bright red or orange skier-down flag. The flag must be displayed whenever the towed person(s) is in the water.