Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, inner tubes, or any similar devices have specific equipment and observer requirements.

• Any child under 13 years old being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Although not required, all other persons being towed behind a vessel also should wear a USCG–approved PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not recommended for use by persons being towed behind a vessel.
• It is illegal for a vessel to tow a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or any other device unless:
• A person at least 12 years old, in addition to the vessel operator, is on board observing the towed person(s) or…
• The vessel has a rearview mirror mounted such that the operator can observe the towed person(s) at all times.