Water skiing is a summer activity that appeals to many people who frequent Canadian waterways. Water skiing allows you to engage in a physical activity while enjoying the sun and water and everything that summer has to offer. Obviously, the nature of the activity can make water-skiing a very dangerous activity if the proper safety precautions aren't followed. Water skiers typically reach pretty high speeds while skimming across the surface, and the potential for serious injury is always there. It's important for a water skier to learn the correct technique in order to be safe on the water, and it's equally important for the person in control of the boat to follow safety guidelines in order to keep the skier safe.
After taking your boat exam and getting your boating license, you may find yourself with a water skier at the back of your boat at some point in the summer. You may have even gotten your boating license for that very purpose. Once you have the necessary boating license, it's just a matter of using some common sense when towing a skier. Before you even set out, you have to ensure the water skier is wearing a proper life preserver. Since you are in control of the vessel, refuse to go unless they are wearing one. You'll also need at least one other person to act as a spotter for the skier. If they fall or is separated from the towline somehow, the spotter can let you know so you can go back and pick the water skier up.
Take a good look at the towline, handle, skis and boots before you set off, too. Damaged equipment may lead to an unnecessary fall and injury. Also check that the towline is attached securely to the proper part of the boat. Once the skier is geared up and ready to go, start off slowly to get the line taut. As you go, you'll use the skills you learned in your boat exam to get your boating license. Have the steering wheel of the boat pointed straight ahead to help the skier get to their feet easier.
When the line is taut, hit the throttle and accelerate quickly so the skier can pop up to the correct skiing position. Check and double check that there are no obstructions ahead of you before you hit the throttle and take off. Even if you've aced your boat exam, avoiding obstacles while you're towing a skier is more than most boaters can handle. Having a boating license doesn't make you an acrobat or daredevil.
When the skier inevitably falls, use caution when going back to pick them up. When you get close, cut the engine to minimize the chances of the skier getting caught up in the propeller. Even someone who never had a boating license knows that a churning propeller is very dangerous. Pay attention to the wind and the waves and drift close enough to let her grab the towline again or get into the boat. With the proper safety technique and the general boating tips learned from your boat exam, towing a water skier should always be a fun experience.
Author Resource:-
Stay safe on the water with BoatSmart 632 The Kingsway, Peterborough, ON K9J 7C8 (705) 745-2878 (416) 524-8943. Get your boat license and learn what you need to know.
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