SECTION : BOATING SAFETY
|
37
• If a tow rope should become entangled in a propeller, shut off engine,
remove the key and put it in your pocket before retrieving the rope. Tow
ropes should be neatly stowed in the boat when not in use.
Preparing to ski or ride: It is recommended and in some states required
that you have a person other than the driver as an observer to look out for
the skier/rider. Be sure the driver is aware of the experience and ability level
of the skier/rider.
• The driver, observer and skier/rider need to agree on hand signals
before skiing or riding. Signals should include READY, STOP, SPEED UP,
and SLOW DOWN.
• Start the engine only after making sure that no one in the water is near
the propeller.
• Turn the engine off when people are getting into or out of the watercraft,
or in the water near the watercraft.
• Always make sure the tow rope is not wrapped around anyone’s hands,
arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
• Start the watercraft and move slowly to remove slack until the tow rope
is tight.
• When the skier/rider signals READY and there is no traffic ahead, take
off in a straight line. Adjust the speed according to the signals given by
the skier/rider.
Skiing or Riding: The watercraft and skier/rider should always maintain a
sufficient distance from obstacles so a skier/rider falling or coasting and/or
watercraft will not encounter any obstacle.
• Do not use in shallow water or near shore, docks, pilings, swimmers,
other watercraft, or any other obstacles.
• Use only on water.
• Never attempt land or dock starts. This will increase your risk of injury
or death.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) approved by your country’s
agency, USCG Type III, ISO, etc.
• The faster you ski or ride, the greater your risk of injury.
• Never make sharp turns that may cause a slingshot effect on the skier/
rider’s speed.
• Skier/Rider should be towed at an appropriate speed for their ability level.
Fallen skier or rider: Falling and injuries are common in skiing or riding.
• Circle a fallen skier/rider slowly to return the tow rope handle or pick up
the fallen skier/rider.
• Put the watercraft in neutral when near a fallen skier/rider.
• Always keep the fallen skier/rider in view and on the driver’s side
of the watercraft.
• Display a red or orange skier/rider down flag to alert other vessels that
a skier/rider is down.
The Warnings and practices in the Watersports Safety Code represent
common risks encountered by users. The code does not cover all instances
of risk or danger. Please use common sense and good judgment.
When participating in watersports, be safe and courteous and follow
these guidelines:
• Be considerate to fishermen and others you share the water with.
• DO NOT perform watersports in congested areas.
• Stay away from navigation markers.
• Stay away from other boats and watersports participants.
To Next Page
Loading...
