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Ski Boats And Skiing Safely

When water skiing the boat operator and the skier must work
as a team. They both need to learn safe skiing skills.
Before you hit the water, you should know your equipment,
general and local boating laws, and the basic fundamentals
of the sport.

What the Boat Operator should know

All boats should allow a minimum of a 100 foot ski area.
This means, that if two ski boats are in the same vicinity
of each other they should be at least 200 feet apart. Before
pulling a skier up carefully check the path ahead for
obstacles and make sure the towline is not caught in the
propeller or wrapped around the skier. Never accelerate
until the skier is holding the towline handle, with the ski
tip or tips showing above water. Skiers should have a smooth
acceleration as they come up on a plane. As the boat
operator, you should ease the throttle at first with a
slight increase in speed.

You should never attempt sharp turns with the boat,
especially if the skier is cutting sharply outside the wake
on either side. If you have to make an unexpected turn,
throttle back as you turn. Signal to the skier, that you
have to turn, remembering that it is safer to dunk the skier
than risk an accident.

If a skier falls, return immediately. Other boaters may not
notice a skier in the water, and the presence of the tow
boat may keep other boaters away from the general area. You
should approach with caution from the driver's side so the
skier is always in view and on your side of the boat. Never
back the boat up to someone in the water. Shut the engine
off when you are near the skier so there is no danger from
the propeller. Be aware that when boat engines idle, even in
neutral, the propeller may still turn and injure the skier
or entangle and cut the tow lines. If a skier falls and is
injured, you must proceed with caution. Any injury might be
aggravated by pulling the person aboard. It is best to get
into the water to support the skier until the nature of the
injury is known.

What the skier should know

A skier should be alert for cross-wakes, partially submerged
objects, swimmers, or anything that might come between them
and the boat. It is recommended that you wear a Coast
Guard-approved personal flotation device designed for
water-skiing at all times. This will allow you to rest in
the water while waiting for the boat, it protects the rib
cage and cushions falls. Its bright color will make you more
visible to others in the area. Ski belts are not Coast
Guard-approved and do not offer positive protection to a
fallen or injured skier.

There are some basic things that a skier and boat operator
should know. This article gives tips and guidelines for both
the boat operator and the skier.

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