Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

Vessel operators towing a person on water skis, surfboard, or similar device have specific observer and equipment requirements.

• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device must have a person older than 10 years of age, in addition to the vessel operator, observing the towed person(s) at all times.
• If towing a person behind a PWC, the PWC must be rated for three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
• In addition, it is also strongly recommended that all persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device wear a USCG–approved PFD (this is required by law if being towed behind a PWC). Ski belts are not USCG–approved.