Video: Missouri Water-Skiing Laws
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Video Transcript
Rob
All right. Skiing is hugely popular out here on the lake, and I think because of that, it’s important that people know the laws and know the regulations. What do they need to know?
Officer Zeller
If you’re going to be towing a skier, you need to have a skier-down flag. And what that flag is, it’s got to be at least 12 inches by 12 inches, red or orange, and that’s to be displayed when your skier is down in the water to alert other boaters that someone has fallen in the water and is in the vicinity.
Rob
OK. So you hold up a big flag when somebody goes down. Who usually does that?
Officer Zeller
Mainly it’s the observer. You have an observer in your boat to let you know what’s going on with them back there, so you can concentrate on what’s going on ahead of you.
Rob
What if you don’t have an observer?
Officer Zeller
If you don’t have an observer, you can use a certified ski mirror, which is at least 3 inches in height by 8 inches in width and convex in shape, to show a 180-degree view behind you.
Rob
Now, what does the skier need to know?
Officer Zeller
The skier needs to know they have to stay a reasonable and safe distance from docks, from people on the water, from buoys—anything that they can get hurt on or hurt anybody else.
Rob
What if you don’t have an observer?
Officer Zeller
Mainly it’s the observer. You have an observer in your boat to let you know what’s going on with them back there, so you can concentrate on what’s going on ahead of you.
Rob
They need to be just as responsible as a boat. No spraying people on the dock. And obviously, no drinking.
Officer Zeller
Right. In Missouri, it’s illegal to be intoxicated while you’re on any type of waterborne device.
Rob
Now, what about skiing times?
Officer Zeller
Skiing is allowed from sunrise until sunset, and the skiing flag law applies from 11:00 a.m. until sunset.
Rob
All good to know. Just make sure everybody’s safe. That’s the idea.
Officer Zeller
Right. We want everybody have a safe time.
Rob
OK. Thank you.
Officer Zeller
Mm-hm.
