Safety
3-5
• Whether you plan to be in a watercraft or skiing/riding behind one, it is important
you are wearing a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) approved by your country's
agency, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type III, International Organization
for Standardization (ISO), etc.
• Inspect all equipment prior to each use: check bindings, fins, tube, attachment,
tow rope and flotation device. Do not use if damaged.
Watercraft safety: A knowledgeable and responsible driver along with a separate
observer is the most important safety device on any watercraft.
• Never operate a watercraft, ski or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Only use water ballast and people for additional weight.
• Never exceed the passenger or weight limitations of the watercraft.
• Never allow passengers to hang outside the watercraft or towed device or sit on
the gunwales or anywhere outside of the normal seating area.
• Never allow water to overflow the bow or gunwales of the watercraft.
• Uneven weight distribution or additional weight may affect the handling of the
watercraft.
Carbon monoxide: The exhaust from the engine on a watercraft contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas. Excessive
exposure to CO can cause severe injury or death. Follow this advice to avoid
injury.
• Never “Platform Drag” by holding onto the boarding platform or being dragged
directly behind the watercraft. This is where CO will be.
• Do not sit on the watercraft transom or boarding platform while the engine is
running.
• Make sure the engine is properly tuned and running well. An improperly tuned
engine produces excessive exhaust and CO.
• If you smell engine exhaust do not stay in that position.
• Go to the USCG’s website (www.uscgboating.org) for more information on how
to help protect yourself and others from the dangers of CO.
Tow ropes: Tow ropes come in different lengths and strengths for different
activities. Make sure any rope you are using is suited for that activity and that it is
in good condition.
• Never use a rope that is frayed, knotted, unraveling or discolored from use or
being left in the sun. If a rope breaks while in use, it can recoil at the skier/rider
being towed or into the watercraft where it might strike passengers. Replace tow
ropes with any sign of damage.
• Never use a tow rope with elastic or bungee material to pull skiers or riders
• Rope should be attached to the watercraft in an approved fashion with hardware
designed for towing. Refer to your watercraft manual for instructions on proper
tow rope attachment.
• Always keep people and tow ropes away from the propeller, even when idling.
Supreme_2018.book Page 5 Wednesday, January 31, 2018 9:30 AM
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