As a team, the boat operator, skier, and observer need to learn safe skiing skills. Before your team hits the water, know your equipment, teamwork, boating laws, and the fundamentals of the sport.
There are rules for recreational activities such as skiing. Remember these simple rules when in tow:
- ALWAYS wear a personal floatation device (life jacket).
- Have someone other than the driver of the boat act as a spotter. The driver should watch the lake, not the skier.
- Always check your towline before each skier skis.
- Maintain a reasonable, safe speed at all times and keep an alert eye open for other boats and watercraft.
- If “dropping a ski,” be sure to release it near a dock where it can be retrieved immediately out of the way of other boats and skiers.
- Steer clear of docks and away from boats and people who are fishing. Besides being dangerous, people seldom appreciate the wake caused by passing so closely.
Be alert for cross-wakes, partially submerged objects, swimmers, rafters, or anything that might come between you and the boat. It is highly recommended that you wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floation device (PFD) designed for water-skiing at all times. It will allow you to rest in the water while waiting for the boat, it protects the rib cage and cushions falls, and its bright color will help others in the area to spot you. Ski belts are not Cost Guard-approved and do not offer positive protection to a fallen or unconscious skier.
Before pulling up the skier, double check the path ahead for obstacles and make sure the towline in not caught in the propeller or wrapped around the skier. Never accelerate until the skier is holding the towline handle, with the ski tip or tips showing above water and in front, and signals “hit it”.
It is important for skiers to have a smooth aceleration as they come up on a plane. As the operator, you should ease the throttle at first with a slight increase in speed.
Naver attempt sharp turns with the boat, especially if the skier is cutting sharply outside the wake on either side. If an approaching obstacle forces you into an unexpected turn, throttle back as you turn. Signal the turn to the skier, remembering that it is better to dunk the skier than risk an accident.
When a skier falls, return without delay. Other boaters may not easily see a skier in the water, and the presence of the tow boat may keep other boaters away from the general area. Since a large percentage of serious water-ski injury accidents are a result of improper operation by the driver during skier pickup, approach with caution from the driver’s side so the skier is always in view and on your side of the boat. NEVER back the boat up to a person in the water. The engine should be shut off when you are near the skier so there is no danger from the propeller. Remember, when boat engines idle, even in neutral, the propeller may still turn and injure the unwary skier or entagle and cut the towlines. If a skier falls and is injured, it is wise to proceed with caution. Any injury may be aggravated by bulling the person aboard. Get into the water to support the skier until the nature of the injury is known.
The rules of the road do not provide any special privileges for vessels towing skiers.
In addition to relaying the skier’s and operator’s signals, the observer is responsible for watching the skier at all times. Having an observer on board allows the driver to give full attention to the variety of tasks necessary for safe motorboat operation. Statewide boating accident statistics indicate an alarming increase in water-ski accidents resulting from improper lookout.
The illustrated signals, approved by the American Water Ski Association, are recommended for use on California waters. Others include START: Shout “hit it” or nob head. JUMP: Raise hand up sharply, imitating a jumping arc. SLOW: Palm-down motion. FAST: Palm-up motion. RETURN: Pat crown of head with open palm.
The boat operator should judge the speed according to the skier’s ability. A good speed for beginners, depending on weight and ski size, is 18-25 miles per hour. Boat speeds are limited by law under certain conditions. The maximum speed for boats is five miles per hour within 100 feet of a swimmer, and within 200 feet of a bathing beach frequented by swimmers, a swimming float, a diving platform or life line, or a passenger landing in use. Boats towing skiers must follow all speed limits.
California law requires there to be a lest two persons aboard a boat towing a water skier: the operator, and an observer 12 years of age or older. The towing of water skiers from sunset to sunrise is prohibted by state law. Local laws may also restrict skiing at certain times during the day and in certain areas.
Water skis should not be operated in a manner to endanger safety of persons or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier, or navigating between a vessel and its tow is also prohibited by law.
Although skiers are not required to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, they are considered “persons on board” under California law. If an approved personal floatation device is not worn by the skier, one must be in the boat.
Under California Boating Law, the display of a ski flag is mandatory to indicate a downed skier; a skier getting ready to ski; or a ski, line, or similar equipment in the immediate area. The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.
Alcohol plays a significant role in serious boating accidents and fatalities. It is unlawful to water ski or operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Your Equipmnet
Make sure your equipment is in safe, serviceable condition. Foot bindings should be secure and free of sharp or protruding surfaces. Skis made of wood should be free of splinters or cracks in lamination. Check your towline (handles, lines, and connecting hooks) for strength every season. Attach towlines only to proper fittings on the boat. Many skiers have been seriously injured in accidents with the tow boat or ski equipment. A moving towline can cut like a knife. For this reason, towlines should be of equal length when more than one person is skiing.
Where to Ski
Minimize the danger of collisions with other boats, other skiers, or fixed objects by staying out of congested areas and well-traveled traffic lanes. Avoid skiing close to shore, around bends or in shallow water. Stay out of fishing areas. It is best to “scout” your area before you ski.
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