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Course Outline

Wakeboarder towed behind a boat

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must do so safely and responsibly.

  • 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.
  • 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 exist for Lake Erie and the Ohio River where these zones have not been established.
    • This regulation does not apply if the vessel is traveling at idle speed in a designated “no wake” area and is not within:
      • An anchorage area, a boat swimming area, or a boat camping area
      • 300 feet of a gas dock, launch ramp, harbor entrance, or bridge underpass
      • Any area designated as a “no ski” zone
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