Amaury Hernández

Water Sports Safety - Waterskiing

Waterskiing safety depends as much on the ski boat driver as on the skier. Often, the skier's safety depends on the driver's skill and ability to understand the skier's needs. For this reason, two people should be in the boat, one to navigate safely and one to pass on the skier's hand signals.

Operate clear of swimmers and other water users. Keep well away from rocks and buoys. If there are specially designated areas for water-skiers, use them.

Mark the take-off and landing points clearly in the water to warn swimmers.

Give the skier a steady take off. Wait for this or her signal and have the observer check that the ski tips are above the water before starting off.

Turn in wide, gradual arcs. If the skier falls, turn immediately to pick him or her up. Cut the engine as you help the skier into the boat.

Never operate the boat while sitting on the side or behind the driving seat. Always sit in the driving seat and watch carefully for obstacles ahead.

Skiers have a responsibility to themselves and to other water users. They must make all signals to the driver clear and must signal with clarity after a fall that they are well, either by raising an arm or by raising a ski.

A water-skier must be a competent swimmer. Never go out after drinking, eating a large meal, or when tired or cold.

Before starting, check all the equipment. Look for loose bindings, splinters, sharp pieces of metal, or a frayed rope. Wait until the ski tips are up and the rope is taut before signaling to the boat to start.

Both skiers and boat passengers should wear a life jacket at all times. The boat should be equipped with spare life jackets and life buoys. Clothing should suit the weather conditions. One can suffer sunburn on a day that seems overcast or get chilled on a day that seems mild.

Watch the water ahead all the time. If you feel yourself falling, curl up into a ball to stop yourself from falling forward. Let go of the rope the moment you feel yourself going. Retrieve the skis as soon as possible. They are buoyant and can help you to float.

When coming in to land, run parallel to the shore and travel slowly. Never attempt to come directly into the shore at high speed. If in doubt, make another run.

Never warp the rope around a hand or wrist. Hold onto the bridge at the end of the rope with the fingers; never loop it over a foot, elbow, or any other part of the body.

Ski in daylight hours only and never ski in unfamiliar or shallow water.

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