Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Nor is it smart. Do yourself and your crew a favor and know your local laws before hitting the water. There are questions you will want answered while reviewing the laws. Use the list below as your guide. Keep in mind the information in the right column is not necessarily the correct answers for your state, just suggestions of the norm.
Q. What kind of Personal Flotation Device is required by your crew and the skier?
* Should it be U.S. Coast Guard approved? You may have to have a life jacket for everyone on board?
Q. Are you required to have a spotter / observer?
* You are usually required to have either a spotter or a wide-angle rear view mirror.
Q. How old must the spotter be?
* Often the minimum age is 12 -14 years old.
Q. What is the maximum length of rope you may use?
* Commonly it is 75 feet.
Q. Is a wide-angle rear view mirror required?
* You are usually required to have either a spotter or a wide-angle rear view mirror.
Q. How old must the boat driver be?
* Minimum age varies.
Q. Does the boat driver have to have a boating license?
* Some states require a written or driving boat test.
Q. What hours may you waterski?
* Most likely it will be from sunrise to sunset.
Q. Are you required to display a ski flag for any reason?
* Sometimes a flag is required to signal a downed skier, etc.
Q. How far away from the shoreline must you stay when towing a skier?
* Occasionally there are minimum lengths you must stay from shore, with the exception of docking, or dropping off or picking up skiers.
Q. Are you required by law to report any accidents?
* It is a good idea to always report accidents.
Q. Must tow ropes be immediately pulled in after use?
* Often pulling a stray rope when no skier is in the water is hazardous.
Q. What is the speed limit?
* Do not operate the towing vehicle in a reckless manner.
More infomation on boating laws may be found at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary site.
Often, a copy of your local waterskiing laws may be picked up at your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The following is a list of several state boating regulations in more depth, including waterski laws, from BoatSafe.com:
If you are new to the boating game, or just wish to brush up on your boating skills, try the online Nautical Know How Basic Boating Safety Certification Course from BoatSafe.com. Or, if you prefer to not take an online course go to Commander Bob's Sources For Courses for a listing of contact telephone numbers by region.
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Post your questions or comments to the waterskiing forum.
Forever In Your Wake,
- Julie Bostian
- Waterskiing Guide
- Waterskiing Guide