255 Owner’s Manual
2-19
Responsibilities and Safety
• Water sport participants must wear a USCG
approved flotation device. A Type III water ski
vest is an approved and practical PFD.
• Keep at least 30 m (100 ft ) away from all other
objects.
• Have an experienced driver and aft-facing
observer in the boat, when water sporting.
• Do not water sport in shallow water or at night.
• Do not jump from a moving boat.
• Keep a downed water sporter in sight.
• Turn the engine(s) off before you get close to
someone in the water.
• Do not use the boarding ladder with engine(s)
running.
Skiers and/or passengers are obligated to be aware
of the same safety rules as operators. If you are
new to water sports, seek certified training before
starting. You will find it especially helpful to join a
ski club, World Wakeboard Association and/or the
U.S.A. Water Ski when it is possible. Always
remember the majority of water sport injuries result
from impact with other objects.
Always look where you are going and be aware of
your surroundings.
Platform Dragging (“Teak Surfing”)
READ, KNOW and UNDERSTAND the information
on warning labels and adhere to the boat operation
practices described on them. The USCG issued a
SAFETY ALERT on August 28, 2001 which covers
some issues of improper use of the boarding
ladder/swim platform. The SAFETY ALERT and
portions of the information follow:
Tragic deaths occur from the negligence of unsafe
boating and dangerous activities. Experts say,
“many of these deaths may have been caused by
an invisible hazard, carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Taking the risk of swimming under a boarding
platform when the engine is running, skiing within
20 feet (6.1 meters), or “teak surfing” or “dragging”
behind a moving boat can be fatal. Dangerous
activities which can result in a serious injury or
death are not considered water sports. Cobalt
Boats does not promote unsafe boating risks or
jeopardizing any boaters safety. “Teak Surfing” or
“Platform Dragging” may be illegal in your state, or
the states you operate in.
A
WARNING
Avoid injury or death. DO NOT use the
swim platform for any other purpose
than boarding the boat or preparation of
entering the water, and do not use the
swim platform when engines are
running.
Carbon monoxide poisoning should not
be confused with seasickness,
intoxication or heat stress. If someone
complains of irritated eyes, headache,
nausea, weakness or dizziness, or you
suspect carbon monoxide poisoning,
immediately move the person to fresh
air, investigate the cause, and take
corrective action. Seek medical
attention if necessary.
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