LARSON Bass - Page 59

SAFETY
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co.
SECTION
2
Bass l 2 - 41
Water Sports Responsibility Code
BE AWARE there are risks in boating and water sports that good judgment and
personal awareness can help reduce. To increase enjoyment of water sports, follow
the 10 points of the code.
In water sports, it is the boater’s responsibility to:
• ALWAYS become familiar with applicable laws, waterways and inherent
risks.
• ALWAYS have a capable observer in addition to the driver, and use
agreed-on hand signals.
• ALWAYS wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by your country’s
agency.
• ALWAYS read the user’s manual and inspect equipment before use.
• ALWAYS ski and ride under control, at proper speeds and within your
limits.
• ALWAYS turn the ignition off when anyone is near the boat power drive
unit.
• ALWAYS stay clear of engine exhaust to avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning.
• NEVER “platform drag” or touch boarding platform while the engine is
running.
• NEVER ski or ride near swimmers, shallow water, other boats or obstacles.
• NEVER operate boat and never ski or ride under the influence of alcohol.
Driver: Best Practices
• The boat driver plays a critical role in the enjoyment and safety of all towed
water sports participants. Do not allow inexperienced drivers to drive for
skiers/riders without thorough instruction and training. We encourage all
boat operators to take a boater’s education course. See the state’s
boating authority for available courses or other operating requirements.
• Keep music at reasonable levels. Sound travels well over water.
• Wait for a clear boat path ahead before accelerating.
• Make sure to use the proper rope for the sport. A rope designed to pull a
skier is not the recommended rope for towing a tube.
• If skiing, boarding or tubing with more than one person, make sure all tow
ropes are the same length.
• Keep a 150-foot buffer zone on all sides of the boat and stay in water that
is safe for the skier/rider and draft of the boat.
• Make sure the tow line unwinds smoothly without getting snagged on
anyone or anything.