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Water-Skiing

Towing people on skis or other devices requires additional knowledge and skills.

Before towing a skier, the operator should have a second person on board to act as an observer. Make sure the skier is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard—approved life jacket (PFD) designed for water-skiing. Never tow a skier at night. It is both hazardous and illegal.

While towing a skier, the operator should keep the skier at a safe distance—at least twice the length of the tow rope—from the shoreline, docks, hazards, and people in the water. Maintain a sharp lookout for other vessels and obstructions in the water. Let the observer watch the skier. Once the skier has dropped or fallen, circle the skier slowly either to return the tow line to the skier or to pick up the skier. Always keep the skier in view and on the operator's side of the boat. To avoid propeller injuries, always shut off the engine before allowing the skier to board the boat. After the skier is on board, retrieve the tow line unless you are pulling another skier.

When in the water, the skier should wear a PFD. Use hand signals to communicate to the driver or observer. Never ski under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never spray swimmers, vessels, or other skiers. Such activity is illegal, dangerous, and discourteous. Never wrap any part of the tow rope around your body. Never approach the back of the boat unless the engine has been shut off. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured by the boat's propeller.