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.

• All persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device must wear a USCG–approved PFD.
  • A USCG–approved PFD must be carried in the vessel for each skier electing to wear a special water-skiing wetsuit.
  • Inflatable PFDs are not acceptable for anyone being towed behind a vessel.
• In addition to the operator, a competent observer must be on board the vessel and seated in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed. A competent observer is a person who can assess when a skier is in trouble, knows and understands the water-skiing hand signals, and is capable of helping a skier.
• If towing a person behind a PWC, these rules apply.
  • The PWC must be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
  • You may not tow more than one skier.
• Ski tow ropes may not exceed the following lengths:
  • Conventional water-skiing—80 feet
  • Parasailing—300 feet
  • Nonreleasable kite-skiing—150 feet
  • Releasable kite-skiing—500 feet