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.

• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, surfboards, or other devices must have on board, in addition to the operator, a person at least 12 years old in a position to observe the towed person(s).
• If towing a person behind a PWC, the PWC must be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
• Although not required, all persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device should wear a USCG–approved PFD.