| What are safe boating procedures with a towable? |
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Select a safe area on which to tow your water tube. A safe area provides at least 100 feet of open water to each side of the boat (so your tube can safely move from side to side and jump wakes.) There should be at least 3,000 feet of unobstructed waterway in front of the boat (no docks, pilings, daymarks, rocks, speed signs, etc.) This allows you to avoid constant turning. Make sure you are operating in a "boating fast zone" that's okay for your intended speed. Know the local boating laws for the area in which you will operate. Water depth should be at least 5-6 feet and free of underwater hazards.
Assign a spotter to remain aboard the tow boat. The spotter's full attention should always be on the ski tube. The spotter should constantly verbally communicate with the boat's captain about the riders' activities and status. The spotter should tell the captain of any boats approaching from the side or rear. The spotter should warn other boats of the ski tube by waiving a skiing safety flag when a rider is down in the water. The boat captain's attention should always be on the water (in front, to the sides and behind the boat), obstructions and boat traffic. Discuss your towing plans with your water ski tube passengers and the spotter. Agree on the speed at which you plan to tow, your "course" (anticipated turns) and the distance you will cover. Review ski hand signals with tube passengers and the spotter. Insure everyone know how to communicate. Remind riders that towable tubes have no brakes and no steering systems.
Review how passengers will be retrieved from the water if they should fall off the tube. If you have a large, tall tube fallen riders may need to board the boat prior to re-boarding the tube. Discuss how passengers will be boarded onto the tube and how they will re-board the boat once the ride is complete. Review the location of safety equipment aboard the boat (additional life jackets, floating cushions, VHF radio, cell phone, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flares) |
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