| For many families, nothing beats a weekend on the | | | | skier are clear of the propeller. Once cleared, slowly |
| boat. Boating is a great way to play in the sun and | | | | motor away from the skier to pull the line taut. |
| stay cool at the same time. Water-skiing, tubing and | | | | 6. Point straight ahead. Before you get under way, |
| kneeboarding are exciting activities, but it's important | | | | make sure the towline and steering wheel are both |
| to know how to do them safely. Before you tow | | | | pointed straight. If you take off with either of those |
| water-skiers, kneeboarders or people in inner tubes, | | | | turned, the skier will be unable to stand up. Once |
| review these boating safety tips, and practice first. | | | | you're pointing straight ahead, engage the throttle |
| (For simplicity, "water-skier" applies to anyone towed | | | | and put the boat in gear for a second to eliminate |
| behind a boat.) | | | | any slack in the line. |
| | | | 7. Push the throttle all the way down. Once you |
| 1. Always have a spotter. The spotter must watch | | | | receive the go signal from the skier, push the throttle |
| the skier at all times and notify the driver as soon as | | | | all the way down. You need the rapid acceleration to |
| the person lets go of the towline or falls. It is illegal | | | | help the skier pop out of the water, but you can |
| to tow someone without an appropriate spotter. You | | | | quickly settle into a cruising speed. |
| can be stopped and ticketed if you don't have a | | | | 8. Steer clear of obstructions. Always avoid other |
| spotter or if your spotter is too young. Spotters | | | | vessels and objects in the water when you tow a |
| need to be over the age of 12 or 14, depending on | | | | skier behind a boat. Remember, you have a person |
| local laws. | | | | tethered approximately 70 feet behind you, so you |
| 2. Outfit the water-skier in a life jacket. Every person | | | | can't quickly maneuver around obstructions. Keep |
| pulled behind a boat must wear a life jacket, | | | | ample space around you and the person you're |
| regardless of age or abilities. Life jackets must fit | | | | towing at all times. |
| snugly and be in good condition. | | | | 9. Maneuver slowly when picking the skier up. Motor |
| 3. Inspect the towing equipment. Make sure your | | | | up slowly to a downed skier. Try to take notice of |
| water-ski towline is in good condition by looking for | | | | the wind and waves. You want to approach the |
| fraying or damage to the handle. Check that | | | | person downwind so that if you start to drift, you |
| water-skis aren't broken in any way and that bindings | | | | move closer to the person rather than farther away. |
| fit securely around every skier's feet. If you're using | | | | It's also important that you don't drive in reverse |
| a tube or kneeboard, inspect it for any damage it | | | | toward the skier, as your view could be blocked. |
| may have incurred in storage. For a safe boating | | | | 10. Once you are near the skier in the water, turn |
| experience, use the equipment properly. For example, | | | | off the engine completely. This fundamental element |
| don't put more people on a tube than is safely | | | | of safe boating ensures the skier doesn't come in |
| recommended. | | | | contact with the propeller. |
| 4. Secure the towline. Make sure the line is tied | | | | Towing water-skiers behind your boat is a fun way |
| securely so waves and movements by the skier | | | | to spend an afternoon. Once you've reviewed and |
| don't cause it to loosen. Secure the towline to a ski | | | | practiced some of these maneuvers, go have fun! If |
| ring on the stern (back end) or center boom (a long, | | | | you're interested, you can find more boating safety |
| supportive handle), not on any other structure. | | | | tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe time on the |
| 5. Keep the towline clear of the propeller. Before you | | | | water. |
| turn the boat on, make sure the towline and the | | | | |