Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

In addition to adhering to laws as they apply to all vessels, operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must obey these laws.

• All persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device must wear a USCG–approved PFD. Ski belts and inflatable PFDs are not approved. Impact-rated PFDs are recommended.
• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have a responsible person at least 12 years of age, in addition to the vessel operator, observing the towed person(s) at all times.
• The tow line (rope) must not exceed 100 feet when measured from the tow post to the skier's handle.
• Operators towing a person behind a PWC must obey these laws also.
  • The PWC must be rated for three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
  • The observer must sit facing the skier, and the PWC must be equipped with handholds at or near the rear of the seat for use by the observer.
  • The PWC must meet these minimum size requirements:
    • Overall length of at least 119 inches
    • Overall width of at least 46 inches
    • Horizontal seat length of at least 39 inches