Bennington Pontoon - Swimming and Water Skiing Safety

Bennington Owner’s Manual 13
WATER - SWIMMING SAFETY
Swimming can always be hazardous unless safety rules are observed.
When swimming from a boat please follow these basic safe swimming recommendations:
Anchor the boat and shut off the motor.
Swim on the shore side of the boat away from other boat traffi c.
Be sure someone is in the boat at all times looking out for those swimming.
Never swim alone.
NEVER DIVE FROM ANY PART OF THE BOAT.
WATER - SKIING SAFETY
Skiing safety requires the following basic rules. You are required to understand and follow these
rules concerning water skiing safety:
Make sure the engine is off and propeller has stopped turning before skiier(s) get into the water.
When the skiier(s) are at a safe distance from the boat only then should start the engine.
Move the boat slowly forward until the slack is out of the tow rope.
Be sure there is no traffi c ahead and then apply enough throttle to get the skiier up.
When the skiier is up and the way is clear, follow his signals to attain a speed the skiier is comfortable
with.
When a skiier goes down watch for the signal that he is OK.
Always approach the skiier on the starboard (right) side and stop the motor when close to the skiier.
Always be aware of shallow water and obstructions in the water.
Do not ski after dark. This is illegal in most states and is not safe.
Some states may require a mirror on the boat.
Always have someone watch the skiier to inform the boat driver of the skiiers constant condition.
Do not ski near swimmers or in crowded boat traffi c.
Keep away from fi sherman.
ALL SKIIERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A COAST GUARD APPROVED PFD AT ALL
TIMES.
! DANGER !
Never dive from any part of a boat. Diving from the boat may result in personal
injury or death.
NEVER ENTER THE WATER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR
PROPELLER IS TURNING.
! DANGER !
When engine is running, boarding ladder and swim platform must not be used, and
transom door (if equipped) must be closed and locked in place.
DO NOT ENTER THE WATER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
! WARNING !
ALWAYS USE A BOARDING LADDER TO ENTER OR EXIT A BOAT.
DO NOT USE PONTOON TUBES FOR ENTERING OR LEAVING THE WATER.
Get assistance if needed by a passenger on board.