- Always wear a floatation device. A properly fitted personal floatation
device is designed to fit snugly so that it won't slip up on the body
during a fall. The recommended type is a jacket or vest which covers
the chest, abdomen and back.
- Always be sure your equipment is in good condition. Your personal
safety and enjoyment depends on the equipment used. Check your equipment
regularly. Be sure the skis do not have sharp or protruding surfaces
that could cut or scrape the skier, check towlines for frayed areas
or broken bridles and handles. Repair or replace damaged or unsafe articles.
- Don't give the signal to start until the slack has been taken out
of the line and you are sure you are clear. Keep your ski tips up.
- Do not ski near docks, pilings, other boats or swimmers. Always look
ahead and be sure you are aware of your surroundings and where you are
going at all times. This may sound ridiculous but the predominance of
water ski injuries result from collision with docks or other solid objects.
- Never put any part of your body through the handle-bridle or wrap
the line around yourself in any way.
- Never ski in shallow water or in an area where there may be obstructions
above or just below the surface.
- When a fall is inevitable, try to fall backward or to either side.
A forward fall increases the chance of contacting a ski.
- Know and use the skier signal, particularly important is the skier's
OK signal if you are all right after a fall.
- If you fall in an area where there is other boat traffic, lift one
ski more than half way out of the water as a signal to other boaters.
- Never ski to the point of excessive fatigue.
- Always ski during daylight from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- Never ski directly in front of another boat.
- Always use equal length ropes when skiing doubles.
- Always ensure that the boats motor is "Off" when a skier
is entering the boat from the water.
- Always have an observer in the towboat.
Enjoy the sport by being courteous to others using the waterways. Courtesy
is contagious. |
