Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Towing a Person with a Boat or PWC Legally
In addition to adhering to laws as they apply to all boats and
PWCs, boat and PWC operators towing a person(s) on water skis,
a surfboard, or a similar device must obey the following laws.
Skiing Confined to Ski or Open Zone (ORC 1547.14)
- Any person who rides or attempts to ride upon water skis or similar
device or who skis barefoot or any boat operator who tows a skier
shall confine that activity within a designated ski zone or open
zone.
- Exceptions to this section exist for Lake Erie and the Ohio
River where these zones have not been established.
- No person shall permit operation of a vessel in violation of
this section.
Observer Required when Towing Skier (ORC 1547.15)
- Any person who operates a vessel towing a person on water skis,
a surfboard, or other device or a barefoot skier shall have an
observer ten years of age or older in the vessel who shall at all
times observe the person being towed. The vessel operator shall
observe the traffic pattern.
- No person shall permit operation of a vessel in violation of
this section.
Water-Skiing after Dark Prohibited (ORC 1547.16)
No person shall water-ski be towed on any device, or operate
a vessel towing a person between sunset and sunrise except upon
special permit. Consult an official sunrise-sunset table of the
local area for exact times.
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