It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

Towing Skiers

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or other devices must obey these laws.

• A person may not be towed on water skis, a surfboard, or other devices between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
• When a vessel is towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, or other devices, there must be a means to observe the person being towed. The vessel must have either:
  • A competent person on board, in addition to the operator, to act as an observer or …
  • A wide-angle (at least 160 degrees) rearview mirror positioned so that the operator can view the towed person
• Those towing skiers on water-skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent manner. It is illegal to operate the vessel or manipulate the towing rope, water-skis, or other devices such that the towed device or person collides with any other person or object.
• Water-skiing is prohibited in harbors or near swimming areas, docks, landings, piers, anchorages, anchored vessels, or fishing boats.

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