absence of this signal, the driver can only
assume the skier is injured and he must
come about immediately to help. Another
important signal on the part of the skier is
to hold up a ski so his position will be more
visible to his own driver and operators of
other boats in the vicinity. This signal is
especially important in areas where other
boats and skiers are in action.
The observer must monitor the skier/
tuber at all times to receive hand signals
and be aware of any fall or distress, or any
hazards. There are usually minimum age
requirements for an observer; again, check
your state and local regulations.
Another often overlooked aspect of
water skiing is the skill needed by the boat
operator to safely get a skier up on plane and
then to pick up a downed skier. High-speed
starts “out of the hole” only serve to jerk the
tow rope from the skier. If just reconnecting
with a fallen skier for another tow, slowly
circle the downed skier while the tow rope
gradually comes to the skier. If approaching
a downed skier or tuber for reboarding,
approach very slowly, downwind, so the boat
does not “over run” the person in the water.
Always approach a downed skier so he is on
the driver’s side of the boat and in full view of
the driver. Turn off the engine when taking a
skier aboard from the water. Leave engine in
gear so propeller does not rotate and injure
skier. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The boat driver is responsible for
keeping the skier away from dangerous
areas as well as giving him a good ride. Keep
the boat a safe distance from the shore,
docks, and other objects in the water. Be on
the lookout for other boats about to enter
the ski area. If this happens, shut down
the boat and wait for the area to clear. The
driver must be alert for downed skiers or
stopped boats in his path. Before turning
the boat, look to each side and behind to
make sure there are no overtaking boats and
that the turn will not endanger the skier.
Always pull novice skiers slowly; novice
boat drivers should never pull any skier
fast. Speed is not essential to enjoyable water
skiing. Do not make high-speed turns with
the intent of “whipping” the person at the
end of the rope; injuries can result from falls
sustained due to the excessive speeds at the
end of the rope. Remember that the skier at
the end of the tow rope is the extension of
the boat, and the driver must continually be
aware of the skier’s presence and safety.
The size of the area needed for safe
water skiing will vary with the configuration
of the body of water. However, some
guidelines apply under most conditions.
According to The American Water Ski
Association, each boat using a waterway for
skiing should operate in a corridor about
200 feet wide, thus giving a safety area of
100 feet on either side of the boat. A corridor
length of 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 of a mile is desirable.
If a waterway is heavily used by skiers,
a traffic pattern might be established. Such
patterns usually are counter-clockwise.
The skier and driver should determine in
advance whether a pattern has been established
and, if so, strictly adhere to it.
Water skiing should never be
attempted (and is usually illegal) in swimming
areas, low-speed mooring lanes,
or marina channels. Boats towing skiers
should give a wide berth to anglers, either
in boats or on shore, and to slow-moving
craft such as canoes and sailboats.
Here are some important reminders.
• Know and follow state and local regulations,
including the daytime hours of permitted
towed activities.
• Propellers are dangerous! When operating
near people in the water, turn off
engine and place drive in gear to stop propeller
rotation (See paragraphs 111-134).
• Prearrange hand signals between the
skier/tuber and the observer and use
them.
• Boat operators must understand how to
tow a person and know the commands.
The operator must be cautious since the
skier and the tuber will traverse areas
wider than the boat, especially in turns.
154 Chapter Four
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67