It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing
Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or any other device have additional laws.
Requirements for Towing Skiers
- A person operating a vessel that is towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, or any other device must be:
- At least 14 years of age or ...
- At least 12 years of age and have on board a person at least 21 years of age in a position to supervise the operator.
- All persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis, a surfboard, or other device must wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device (life jacket).
- Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or other device must have on board, in addition to the vessel operator, an observer who is:
- At least 12 years of age or ...
- At least 10 years of age and another passenger who is at least 21 years of age.
- The observer must display the skier-down flag whenever the towed person(s) is in the water preparing to be towed or waiting to be picked up by the towing vessel.
- It is illegal for vessels to tow persons on water skis, a surfboard, or any other device between sunset and sunrise.
- If towing a person on water skis or other device, the vessel must be rated to carry at least three people.
- Some waters have local regulations that limit or prohibit water-skiing.
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 |
Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries
Most propeller strike accidents result from operator error. Victims include swimmers, scuba divers, fallen water-skiers, and boat operators or passengers. Most propeller accidents can be prevented by following basic safe boating practices.
- Maintain a proper lookout. The primary cause of propeller strike accidents is operator inattention.
- Make sure the engine is off so that the propeller is not rotating when passengers are boarding or leaving a boat.
- Never start a boat with the engine in gear.
- Slow down when approaching congested areas and anchorages. In congested areas, always be alert for swimmers and divers.
- Learn to recognize warning buoys that mark swimming and other hazardous areas.
- Keep the boat away from marked swimming and diving areas. Become familiar with the red and white or blue and white diver-down flags signaling that divers are below the surface.
- Make sure that passengers are seated properly before getting underway. Some operators of larger boats with several passengers have caused injuries by putting the engine in gear while people were still swimming or diving from the boat.
- Never ride on a seat back, gunwale, transom, or bow.
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