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Boating Safety
Tow Line Guidelines
Tow lines come in different lengths and strengths for different activities. Make sure any
line you are using is suited for skiing or riding and that it is in good condition.
• Never use a tow line that is frayed, knotted, unraveling or discolored from use or
being left in the sun. If a line breaks while in use it can recoil at the skier/rider being
towed or into the watercraft where it might strike passengers. Replace tow lines with
any sign of damage.
• Never use a tow line with elastic or bungee material to pull skiers or riders.
• Tow line should be attached to the watercraft in an approved fashion with hardware
designed for towing. Refer to your watercraft manual for instructions on proper tow
line attachment.
• Always route tow lines away from the propeller, even when idling. Shut off the
engine if your boat starts to cross a floating tow line.
• If a tow line should become entangled in a propeller, shut off engine, remove the key
and put it in your pocket before retrieving the line.
• Tow lines should be neatly coiled and stowed in the boat when not in use.
Fallen Skier or Rider
Falling and injuries are common in water skiing and other towed watersports. Keep tow
speeds in a comfortable range given the rules of the activity and the skill level of
participants.
• Display a red or orange skier/rider down flag to alert other vessels that a skier/rider is
down. In some states, it is required to raise the “fallen skier” flag when the skier has
fallen.
• Turn the boat and slowly circle toward the person in the water to return the tow line
handle or towed device to that person.
• Always keep the fallen skier/rider in view and preferably on the operator’s side of the
watercraft.
• Put the watercraft in neutral whenever you are near a fallen skier/rider.
• Shut off the engine when retrieving someone from the water or if the person in the
water gets too close to the boat. Do not trust neutral gear with an idling engine.
Someone may accidentally or prematurely shift the gear, or the linkages may be out
of adjustment and the propeller may still be slowly spinning.
Chapter 1_15_Axis.qxp_ Chapter 1 doc.qxd 6/27/14 12:15 PM Page 48
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