Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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24 Safety | 2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
(such as shore power connections) it is unsafe to swim as
stray electrical currents may exist, which can cause you to
drown.
Tow Line Guidelines
Tow lines come in different lengths and strengths for different
activities. Make sure any line you are using is suited for skiing or
riding and that it is in good condition.
• Never use a tow line that is frayed, knotted, unraveling, or
discolored from use or being left in the sun. If a line breaks
while in use it can recoil at the skier/rider being towed
or into the watercraft where it might strike passengers.
Replace tow lines with any sign of damage.
• Never use a tow line with elastic or bungee material to pull
skiers or riders.
• Tow line should be attached to the watercraft in an
approved fashion with hardware designed for towing. Refer
to your watercraft manual for instruction on proper tow line
attachment.
• Always route tow lines away from the propeller, even when
idling. Shut off the engine if your boat starts to cross a
floating tow line.
• Tow lines should be neatly coiled and stowed in the boat
when not in use.
Fallen Skier or Rider
Falling and injuries are common in towed watersports. Keep
tow speeds in a comfortable range given the rules of the activity
and the skill level of participants.
• Display a red or orange skier/rider down flag to alert other
vessels that a skier/rider is down. In some states, is required
to raise the “fallen skier” flag when the skier has fallen.
• Turn the boat and slowly circle toward the person in the
water to return the tow line handle or towed device to that
person.
• Always keep the fallen skier/rider in view and preferably on
the operator’s side of the watercraft.
• Put the watercraft in neutral whenever you are near a fallen
skier/rider.
• Shut off the engine when retrieving someone from the
water or if the person in the water gets too close to the
boat. Do not trust neutral gear with an idling engine.
Someone may accidentally or prematurely shift the gear,
or the linkages may be out of adjustment and the propeller
may still be slowly spinning.
Develop WATER SENSE
The Watersports Responsibility Code and the Watersports
Safety Code have been developed by WSIA and industry
equipment manufacturers. These Codes are reproduced here for
your reference.
Watersports Responsibility Code
Familiarize yourself with and follow
the Watersports Responsibility Code .
WATERSPORTS SAFETY CODE
Before you get in the water:
Skiing or riding instruction is recommended before use.
Instruction will teach general safety guidelines and proper
skiing or riding techniques, which may reduce your risk of
injury. For more information on skiing or riding schools,
contact your dealer, association, or local ski club.
• Know the federal, state and local laws that apply to your
area.
• If you are not familiar with a waterway, ask someone
who is knowledgeable to tell you about any hidden
dangers or things to avoid.
• Whether you plan to be in a watercraft, or skiing/riding
behind one it is important you are wearing a properly
fitted life jacket (PFD) approved by your country’s
agency, USCG Type III, ISO, etc.
• Inspect all equipment prior to each use, check bindings,
fins, tube, attachment, tow rope and flotation device.
• DO NOT use if damaged.
Watercraft Safety
• A knowledgeable and responsible driver is the most
important safety device on any watercraft.
• Never operate a watercraft, ski or ride under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Only use water ballast and people for additional weight.
• Never exceed the passenger or weight limitations of
the watercraft.
• Never allow passengers to hang outside the watercraft
or towed device or sit on the gunwales or anywhere
outside of the normal seating area.
• Never allow water to overflow the bow or gunwales of
the watercraft.
• Uneven weight distribution or additional weight may
affect the handling of the watercraft.
Carbon Monoxide
• The exhaust from the engine on a watercraft contains
Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is a colorless, odorless
and poisonous gas. Excessive exposure to CO can cause
severe injury or death. Follow this advice to avoid injury.
• Never “Platform Drag” by holding onto the boarding
platform or being dragged directly behind the
watercraft. This is where CO will be.
• Do not sit on the watercraft transom or the boarding
platform while the engine is running.
• Make sure the engine is properly tuned and running
well. An improperly tuned engine produces excessive
exhaust and CO.
• If you smell engine exhaust do not stay in that position.
• Go to the United States Coast Guard’s website:
www.uscgboating.org for more information on how to
help protect yourself and others from the dangers of
CO.
Tow Ropes
Tow ropes come in different lengths and strengths for
different activities. Make sure any rope you are using is suited