Water Skiing Safety

Nearly 17 million Americans water ski each year. Very few injuries result from water-skiing related accidents during a season, and the death rate from such accidents is ten times less than the injury rate.

Here are some safety tips to help make your next ski outing a safe one.

• You should know how to swim at least moderately well.
• Wear a well fitting, U.S. Coast Guard approved, Type III Personal Flotation Device.
• Agree with the driver in advance on the general path of the boat.
• Try not to turn in the same direction that the boat is about to maneuver, the line will get slack and you could fall or become entangled.
• Try not to move in a direction opposite to that of an unanticipated boat turn, a crack-whip reaction could follow, creating the potential for a high-speed spill.
• Know the proper hand and vocal signals.
• If you fall, immediately let the driver know you are all right. This is done by the simple gesture of clasping both hands over the head. If you do not signal, the driver can only assume the skier is injured and he must come immediately to help. It is also a good idea to hold up a ski so the driver has an easier time locating you.
• Know whether a traffic pattern has been established in the waters where you are skiing. If so, strictly adhere to that pattern.

If you are the boat driver:

• Keep the skier away from dangerous areas.
• Keep the boat a safe distance from the shore, docks, and other objects in the water.
• If another boat enters the ski area, shut down the boat and wait for the area to clear.
• Be alert for downed skiers and stopped boats in your path.
• Before turning the boat, look to each side and behind to make sure there are no over taking boats and that the turn will not endanger the skier.
• Always pull novice skiers slowly, and if you are a novice boat driver, you should never pull any skier fast.
• Be constantly aware of the skier's presence and safety.
• Always approach a downed skier so he is on the driver's side of the boat and in full view. Turn off the engine when taking a skier aboard from the water, no exceptions.

For both the skier and driver:

• Do not stay on the water too long. The effects of the sun, wind, waves, and vibration can impair your judgment.
• Never drive or ski under the influence of alcohol, prescription, or over-the-counter medications, or illegal drugs. Being on the water and fatigued can increase their effects beyond your normal tolerance.