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• Never use a tow rope with elastic or bungee material to pull or riders.
• Rope should be attached to the watercraft in an approved fashion with hardware designed
for towing. Refer to your Boat User’s manual for instructions on proper tow rope attachment
for each watersports activity.
• Always keep people and tow ropes away from the propeller, even when idling.
• If a tow rope should become entangled in a propeller, shut off engine, remove the key and
put it in your pocket before retrieving the rope.
• Tow ropes should be neatly stowed in the boat when not in use.
PrEParIng TO rIDE:
Always have a person other than the driver as an observer to look
out for the rider.
• Be sure the driver is aware of the experience and ability level of the rider.
• The driver, observer and rider need to agree on hand signals before riding. Signals should
include ReADy, STOp, SpeeD Up, and SLOW DOWN.
• Start the engine only after making sure that no one in the water is near the propeller.
•
Turn the engine off when people are getting into or out of the watercraft, or in the water
near the watercraft.
• Always make sure the tow rope is not wrapped around anyone’s hands, arms, legs, or other
parts of the body.
• Start the watercraft and move slowly to remove slack until the tow rope is tight.
• When the rider signals ReADy and there is no traffic ahead, take off in a straight line. Adjust
the speed according to the signals given by the rider.
rIDIng:
The watercraft and rider should always maintain a sufficient distance from obstacles
so a rider falling or coasting and/or watercraft will not encounter any obstacle.
• Do not use in shallow water or near shore, docks, pilings, swimmers, other watercraft, or
any other obstacles.
• Use only on water.
• Never attempt land or dock starts. This will increase your risk of injury or death.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket (pFD) approved by your country’s agency,
USCG Type III, ISO, etc.
• The faster you ride, the greater your risk of injury.
• Never make sharp turns that may cause a slingshot effect on the tube’s speed.
• Rider should be towed at an appropriate speed for their ability level.
FaLLEn rIDEr:
Falling and injuries are common in riding.
• Circle a fallen rider slowly to return the tow rope handle or pick up the fallen rider.
• put the watercraft in neutral when near a fallen rider.
• Always keep the fallen rider in view and on the driver’s side of the watercraft.
• Display a red or orange-down flag to alert other vessels that a rider is down.
The Warnings and practices in the Watersports Safety Code represent common risks
encountered by users. The code does not cover all instances of risk or danger.
Please use common sense and good judgment.
