SECTION : BOATING SAFETY
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• Communicate skiing speed with the skier/rider before starting.
• Aft located seating of various names are not to be occupied while the
engine is running.
• Be sure to have an experienced operator in the boat while skiing/riding.
• When people are putting on or taking off watersports equipment, always
turn the engine off.
• NEVER allow tow rope loose ends to endanger passengers.
• NEVER allow passengers to sit in the path of the rope.
• The operator should always watch the skier/rider as the line is tightened
to start (in case rope wraps around ski or skier/rider).
• The operator should look ahead before starting.
• Start from a safe place with good forward and peripheral visibility.
• The operator should check direction of the rudder before starting (in
gear, slowly making sure the boat goes straight).
• The operator should be primarily aware of what is occurring in front of
the boat, but be aware of skier/rider’s progress.
• DO NOT “back up” to anyone in the water.
• DO NOT follow directly behind another boat or skier/rider without leaving
an adequate safe distance.
• Look before you turn the boat to pick up a fallen skier/rider.
• Give immediate assistance to anyone who falls as they are vulnerable
and may not be seen by other boaters.
• The operator should always keep the skier/rider in view when the skier/
rider is entering or exiting the boat.
• The operator should never retrieve or pick up an article from the water
while the engine is running. The engine MUST be shut OFF.
• Have ship to shore communication devices if operating at a significant
distance off shore.
• When approaching a skier/rider, always turn the engine off before
allowing the skier/rider to come onboard. This will help keep a propeller
that is rotating under engine power from injuring the skier/rider.
• Be sure to approach a downed skier/rider on the operator’s side,
keeping the skier/rider in view.
• Display a skier/rider down flag where required whenever the skier/rider
is in the water and not skiing.
• Be sure to follow the approved towing pattern on each lake or waterway.
• Never climb, sit or stand on a wakeboard tower. The wakeboard tower is
intended for towing only as noted. Do not tow more than two (2) persons
at one time off a wakeboard tower. The wakeboard tower approved for
use on your boat should be used only for water skis, wakeboards or
recreational towables, and not for parasailing, kite flying or towing other
boats.
• Maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from all other objects, including
other boats, piers, rafts, mooring and navigational buoys, pilings,
abutments or any other obstacles.
• NEVER lift or trailer the boat with water in the bilge or in ballast tanks,
lift or trailer per manufacturer’s instructions.
GENERAL WATERSPORT PRECAUTIONS FOR
TOWED SKIER/RIDER
• Always inspect watersports equipment for wear, fraying, etc., before
use. DO NOT use if they show signs of wear or fraying.
• Be sure to wear wet suits or protective shorts when engaging in high
energy skiing/riding to prevent abrasions, hypothermia and injuries to
orifices (rectal and vaginal) from impact with the water surface.
• Every skier/rider should always wear a USCG-approved Type III personal
flotation device (lifejacket).
• NEVER attach ski/wakeboard rope to anything but approved pylons and
wakeboard towers.
• Be sure to inspect the tow point before use and make sure it is seated
correctly, if removable. If there is any evidence of corrosion or other
damage, do not use until it has been inspected by your boat dealer.
• The skier/rider should indicate he/she is clear of the boat prior to
starting the boat or putting the boat into gear and tightening the rope.
• Never put your arm, head or any other part of your body through the
handle/bridle of the ski or wakeboarding line, nor wrap the line around
any part of the body at any time.
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