10. Do not drive the boat directly behind a water skier. At 25 miles per hour, the
boat will overtake a fallen skier who was 200 feet in front in about 5 seconds.
The popular sport of water skiing has brought a special set of safety precautions to
observe in boating. The following guides help prevent accidents while water skiing.
1. Water ski only in safe areas, away from other boats and swimmers, out of chan-
nels, and in water free of underwater obstructions.
2. Allow no one who cannot swim to water ski. Skiers must wear a USCG
approved personal flotation device. A type III water-ski vest is an approved and
practical PFD.
3. Have a second person aboard to observe the skier and inform the driver about
the skier’s hand signals (Figure 2-12). The driver must give full attention to
operating the boat and the waters ahead.
4. Give immediate attention to a fallen skier. He or she is vulnerable in the water
alone and may not be seen by other boaters. Be careful not to swamp the boat
while taking a skier on board.
5. Always participate in water sports in safe areas. Stay away from other boats,
beaches, swimmers, and heavily traveled waterways.
6. Be considerate to others you share the water with.
7. Approach a person in the water from the lee side (opposite the direction of the
wind). Stop the motor before coming close to the person.
8. Turn off engine and anchor your boat before swimming.
Lund-02.indd 17 7/9/10 1:46 PM
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
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