Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

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

• Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or similar devices must wear a USCG–approved wearable PFD or Type I, II, or III PFD.
• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or similar devices must have on board, in addition to the operator, an observer at least 12 years of age constantly observing the person being towed.
• All vessels towing a person on water skis or similar devices must be equipped with a ladder, steps, a platform, or a similar device that can be used to retrieve the person being towed from the water.