39
Operation
• 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 un-
necessary 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 atten-
tion 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 dan-
gerous 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 trac. 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 pull-
ing 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 dierent 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 trac in the
direction of the turn before you turn the boat.
• Approach a skier in the water from the down-
wind 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.
• 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.
Common Hand Signals For Water Sports Activities
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