Axis Wake Research, Owner'S Manual

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1-46 Boating Safety
• Ensure that it is “all clear” behind the boat when starting the engine. Ask for verbal
confirmation or hand signals that it is “all clear” behind the boat. Then, and only
then, start the engine.
• Keep their main focus on maneuvering the boat safely while avoiding other boats,
fixed objects, the shore, and shallow water.
• Use rear view mirrors to allow the driver to glance at the towed person, while still
keeping their main attention on the path of the boat and the surroundings.
• Return safely to pick up towed persons or persons in the water. Keep the individual
in view, approach slowly (preferably on the driver’s side), and shut off the engine
when close to an individual in the water. Do not back up or operate the boat in
reverse to a person in the water.
Observers should:
• Confirm for the boat operator that it is “all clear” behind the boat prior to starting the
engine.
• Watch the towed person.
• Be responsible for communication of the signals and status of the towed person to the
boat driver.
• Notify the boat operator of status and changing conditions with the towed person, and
inform the boat driver of the towed person’s readiness to start, their desire to go faster
or slower, or that they have fallen and are in need of retrieval.
• Deploy the fallen skier flag when the towed person falls, if needed. In some states, it
is required to raise the “fallen skier” flag when the skier has fallen.
• Monitor the tow line to ensure that it does not become tangled, it does not become
wrapped around anyone in the boat, and it does not become wrapped around the
towed person. Also monitor the tow line so that it does not become tangled in the
propeller. Notify the boat operator if any of these conditions are observed to avoid
potential injury.
• Remind the boat operator to shut off the engine when persons are on the swim
platform or in the water near the back of the boat.
Towed persons should:
• Wear a PFD.
• Not approach the back of the boat if the engine is running.
• Not become entangled in a tow line or wrap a tow line around any body part.
• Know signals to communicate with the observer and boat operator.
Additional Precautions for Towed Skier/Rider
• Wear wet suits or protective shorts when engaging in high energy skiing/riding to
prevent abrasions, hypothermia, and injuries to orifices (rectal and vaginal) from
impact with the water surface.
• Inspect watersports equipment for wear, fraying, etc., before use. DO NOT use if
they show signs of wear or fraying. Ropes or watersport equipment tow points may
break during use, causing you to coast into obstacles or fall with the risk of being
struck by another vessel.
• Inspect the boat tow points before use. If there is any evidence of corrosion or other
damage, do not use until it has been inspected by your authorized boat dealer.
• NEVER attach ski/wakeboard rope to anything but approved pylons and wakeboard
towers. Make sure tow ropes are properly attached to the boat tow points.
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