SECTION : BOATING SAFETY
|
36
• DO NOT ski near swimming areas, beaches or personal watercraft.
• DO NOT jump from a boat that is moving at any speed, nor enter or exit
the water when the engine is running.
• DO NOT ski at night or directly in front of other boats.
• DO NOT ski with multiple skier/riders with different length ropes.
• DO NOT ski in limited visibility conditions.
• DO NOT approach the boat or the rear of the boat while the engine
is running.
• When in the water around docks where electrical current is present
exercise caution to avoid electrocution.
WATERSPORTS SAFETY CODE
Before you get in the water: Skiing or riding instruction is recommended
before use. Instruction will teach general safety guidelines and proper
skiing or riding techniques, which may reduce your risk of injury. For more
information on skiing or riding schools, contact your dealer, Association, or
local ski club.
• Know the federal, state and local laws that apply to your area.
• If you are not familiar with a waterway, ask someone who is, to tell you
about any hidden dangers or things to avoid.
• 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, USCG Type III, 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 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 be
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 United States Coast Guard’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 skiing or riding 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.
To Next Page
Loading...
