Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, kite skis, 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 wearable PFD. Ski belts are not approved PFDs.
• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or any other device must have a person who is at least 12 years old on board, in addition to the vessel operator, in a position to observe the towed person(s).
• If towing a skier with a PWC, the PWC should be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.