Safety information
18
Wakeboarding and water-skiing
You can use the boat to tow a wakeboarder
or water-skier, using the tow pylon
(AR195/AR190) or the ski tow hook provided.
It is the boat operator’s responsibility to be
alert to the safety of the wakeboarder or wa-
ter-skier and others. Know and follow all state
and local regulations in effect for the waters in
which you will be operating.
The following are some important consider-
ations for minimizing risks while pulling a
wakeboarder or water-skier.
●
The wakeboarder or water-skier should
wear an approved PFD, preferably a bright-
ly colored one so boat operators can see
the person being pulled.
●
The wakeboarder or water-skier should
wear protective clothing. Severe internal in-
juries can occur if water is forced into body
cavities as a result of falling into the water or
while reboarding. Normal swimwear does
not adequately protect against forceful wa-
ter entry into the rectum or vagina. The per-
son being pulled should wear a wetsuit
bottom or clothing that provides equivalent
protection. Such clothing includes thick,
tightly woven, sturdy, and snug-fitting ap-
parel such as denim, but does not include
spandex or similar fabrics, like those used
in bicycle shorts.
●
A second person should be on board as a
spotter to watch the wakeboarder or water-
skier; in most states, it is required by law.
Let the person being pulled direct the oper-
ator’s control of speed and direction with
hand signals. Be sure the seat is locked in
place (see page 54) before getting under-
way.
●
When preparing to pull the wakeboarder or
water-skier, operate the boat at the slowest
possible speed until the boat is well away
from the person being pulled and slack in
the tow-rope is taken up. Make sure that the
rope is not looped around anything.
After checking that the wakeboarder or wa-
ter-skier is ready and that there is no traffic
or other obstacles, apply enough throttle to
raise the person.
●
Make smooth, wide turns. The boat is capa-
ble of very sharp turns, which could exceed
the abilities of the wakeboarder or water-
skier. Keep the person being pulled at least
50 m (164 ft), about twice the distance of a
standard tow-rope, away from any potential
hazard.
●
The operators of boats and other watercraft
may not be aware that you are pulling a
wakeboarder or water-skier. Together with
the spotter, pay attention to others around
you and cruise at safe speeds.
●
Be alert to the hazard of the tow-rope han-
dle snapping back at the boat when the
wakeboarder or water-skier falls or is un-
able to get up on the skis.
See pages 8 and 66 for wakeboard tower use.
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