32
Operation
• Make sure to approach the person from the
downwind side and maneuver the boat so
the propeller is well clear of the person in the
water.
• Turn off the engine when the person is
alongside and use a ring buoy with a line
attached, a paddle or boat hook to assist him
to the boat. Make sure you don’t hit him with
the ring buoy or the boat.
• Pull the person to the boat and assist him on
board.
• Check the person for injuries and administer
rst aid if necessary. If the injuries are serious,
call for help. Refer to the Safety chapter for
more information on rst aid and requesting
emergency medical assistance.
MOVING PROPELLERS ARE DANGEROUS. THEY CAN CAUSE
DEATH, LOSS OF LIMBS OR OTHER SEVERE INJURY. DO
NOT USE THE SWIM PLATFORM OR SWIM LADDER WHILE
THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. STOP THE ENGINE IF DIVERS OR
SWIMMERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO BOARD. ALWAYS PROPERLY
STORE THE LADDER BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.
2.12 Water Skiing and Wakeboarding
Your boat could be equipped for water skiing and
wakeboarding. If you have never driven skiers
before, you should spend some hours as an ob-
server and learning from an experienced driver.
If you are an experienced driver, you should take
some time to become familiar with the boat and
the way it handles before pulling a skier. The
driver should also know the skier’s ability and
drive accordingly.
The following safety precautions should be
observed while towing water skiers.
• Water ski only in safe areas, away from other
boats and swimmers, out of channels and in
water free of underwater obstructions. The
area should be at least 5 feet deep, 3000 feet
long and have at least 100 feet between each
side of the boat and any obstructions.
• Make sure that anyone who skis can swim. Do
not allow people who cannot swim to water ski.
• Be sure that the skier is wearing a proper
life jacket. A water skier is considered on
board the boat and a Coast Guard approved
life jacket is required. It is advisable and
recommended for a skier to wear a otation
device designed to withstand the impact of
hitting the water at high speed.
• Make sure to inspect the ski equipment and
tow rope before each ski session. Never use
equipment that is damaged or with loose
screws, torn boots, severe corrosion or tears
in the fabric. You should also inspect the
ski tow rope and replace if it is frayed, has
unnecessary knots or is damaged. Never use
a ski tow line that is questionable.
• Secure the ski tow rope to an appropriate device
intended for ski tow ropes.
• Always carry a second person on board to
observe the skier or wakeboarder so that your
full attention can be given to the safe operation
of the boat. The operator should pay attention
to driving the boat and have the observer keep
him updated on the skier. Never ski after
dark. It is hazardous and illegal. Neither the
boat operator or skier can see well enough to
navigate at skiing or wakeboarding speeds
safely at night.
• Never spray swimmers, boats, rafts or other
skiers. The risk for a collision makes this
dangerous for the skier and people being
sprayed.
• Never follow directly behind another boat while
pulling skiers. Always stay a safe distance
behind or off the side of other boat trafc. If
the boat you are following stops unexpectedly,
you may not be able to respond quick enough
endangering your skier and occupants of both
boats.
• Never follow behind another boat pulling a
skier for any reason, even if you are not pulling
a skier. If the skier you are following falls, you
may not be able to respond quick enough and
could run over the skier.
• When pulling multiple skiers, make sure the
ropes are the same length. Never pull multiple
skiers with tow ropes of different lengths.
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