Everglades 243 CC - Page 32

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Operation
• 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 o the side of other boat trac. 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 dierent lengths.
• Always make sure to slowly pull the slack out of
the ski rope and wait for the OK from the skier
before advancing the throttle to ensure the rope
is not wrapped around the skier and that the
skier is ready. Never advance the throttle until
the skier provides the ready signal.
• When turning around to pick up a fallen skier,
make sure to look for other boat trac in the
direction of the turn before you turn the boat.
• Approach a skier in the water from the downwind
side and be certain to stop the motion of the boat
and your motor before coming in close proximity
to the skier.
• Give immediate attention to a fallen skier. A
fallen skier is very hard to see by other boats
and is extremely vulnerable. When a skier falls,
be prepared to immediately turn the boat and
return to the skier.
• Never leave a fallen skier alone in the water for
any reason and have an observer display a skier
down ag to alert other boaters that your skier
has fallen.
Common Hand Signals for Water Sports Activities
• Agree on hand signals to be used between the
observer and skier to communicate. This is
important to eliminate confusion and ensure the
safety of your skiers, wakeboarders or tubers.
Refer the Hand Signals drawing in this section
for signals that are commonly used during water
sports activities.
• Make sure the observer watches for the skier’s
signal to indicate he or she is OK. If the signal
is not seen immediately, assume the skier is
injured and in need of immediate assistance.
Be prepared to respond quickly.
• For additional information on water skiing,
including hand signals and water skiing manuals,
contact the American Water Skiing Association in
Winter Haven, Florida, 813-324-4341.
WARNING
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,
SWIMMERS OR SKIERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO BOARD. ALWAYS
PROPERLY STORE THE LADDER BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE.