It's the Law: Specifically For Skiing
Vessel operators towing a person(s)
on water skis or a similar device have additional laws.
Requirements for Towing Skiers
- It is illegal for operators of boats to tow a person(s) on water skis, skiboards, or any device of this type between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. It is illegal for operators of PWCs to tow any person or device between sunset and sunrise.
- All vessels towing person(s) on water skis or similar devices must be operated in a careful and prudent manner. A reasonable distance from other vessels, people, and property must be maintained so as not to endanger life or property. Buzzing or spraying another vessel or swimmer is illegal.
- Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:
- An observer, other than the vessel operator, 13 years of age or older on board or ...
- A rearview mirror. The size of the mirror must be no less than four inches in size from bottom to top and across from side to side. It should be mounted firmly to give the operator a full, complete view beyond the rear of the vessel at all times. Note: Most PWC mirrors do not meet these size standards.
- PWCs have rating requirements that must be met when towing people.
- A PWC must be rated for at least two people when towing a person on water skis or a similar device.
- If an observer is used, the PWC must be rated for three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
Hand Signals for Skiers
Knowing proper hand signals will help the skier(s) communicate with their boat operator or the observer.
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 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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