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• Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations.
• Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to
“maintain a proper lookout by sight (and hearing).” The operator
must have an unobstructed view particularly to the front. No
passengers, load, or fishing seats should block the operators view
when operating the boat above idle or planing transition speed.
Watch “the other guy,” the water and your wake.
• Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case
the skier falls. As an example, your boat traveling at 25 miles per
hour (40 km/hr) in 5 seconds will overtake a fallen skier who was
200 feet in front of you.
• Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for water skiing or
similar activities, always keep a fallen or down skier on the
operator’s side of the boat while returning to attend the skier. The
operator should always have the down skier in sight and never
back up to the skier or anyone in the water.
• Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a
Boating Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement
agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents.
A boating accident must be reported if (1) there is loss of life or
probable loss of life, (2) there is personal injury requiring medical
treatment beyond first aid, (3) there is damage to boats or other
property where the damage value exceeds $500.00 or (4) there
is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local
law enforcement.
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