Owner`s manual

6. Make sure the water is adequate
depth and free of obstructions.
Your boat is not designed for and should not be used for pulling parasails,
kites, gliders or any device which can become airborne.
2.6
WATER SPORTS
Water skiing, wakeboarding or riding a towed, inflatable apparatus
are some of the more popular water sports. However, never ex-
ceed the limits of the ski bar. Also, never tow a inflatable device
or another vessel from the ski bar, they are over the limits of the
ski tow bar. Taking part in any water sport requires increased
safety awareness by the participant and the boat operator. If you
have never pulled someone behind your boat before, it is a good
idea to spend some hours as an observer, working with and
learning from an experienced driver. It is also important to be
aware of the skill and experience of the person being pulled.
Everyone participating in a water sport should observe these
guidelines:
1. Allow only capable swimmers to take part in any water
sport.
2. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) approved
by the U.S. Coast Guard. Wearing a properly designed
PFD will help a stunned or unconscious person stay
afloat.
3. Always participate in water sports in safe areas. Stay
away from other boats, beaches, swimmers and heavily
traveled waterways.
4. Be considerate to others you share the water with.
5. Give immediate attention to a person who has fallen.
He or she is vulnerable in the water alone and may not
be seen by other boaters.
6. Approach a person in the water from the lee side
(opposite the direction of the wind). Stop the motor before
coming close to the person.
7. Turn off engine and anchor your boat before swimming.
8. Swim only in areas designated as safe for swimming.
These are usually marked with a swim area buoy. Do not
swim alone or at night.
9. Stay at least 150 feet (45 m) away from areas marked by
a diver down float (Figure 2-11).
Upper Deck and Water Slide
1. Observe capacity label and do not over load the top
deck.
2. Do not occupy upper deck while boat is under way.
3. Do not jump from upper deck.
4. Do not slide while boat is underway.
5. Shut off motor before allowing slide use.
FIGURE 2-11 DIVER DOWN FLOAT
Water Skiing
The popular sport of water skiing has brought a special set
of safety precautions to observe in boating. The following
guides, in addition to the guides listed above, will do much
to reduce the hazards while water skiing. For more informa-
tion about water skiing, please contact the American Water
Ski Association, 799 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884
(1-800-533-2972).
1. Water ski only in safe areas, away from other boats and
swimmers, out of channels, and in water free of
underwater obstructions.
2. Never allow anyone who cannot swim to water ski.
3. Have a second person aboard to observe the skier and
inform the driver about the skier’s hand signals (Figure
2-12). The driver must give full attention to operating the
boat and the waters ahead.
1. Thumb Up: Speed up the boat.
2. Thumb Down: Slow down the boat.
3. Cut Motor/Stop: Immediately stop boat. Slashing
motion over neck (also used by driver or observer).
4. Turn: Turn the boat (also used by driver). Circle motion
with arms overhead then pointing in desired direction.
5. Return to Dock: Pat on the head.
6. OK: Speed and boat path OK, or signals understood.
7. I’m OK: Skier OK after falling.
Skiers must wear a USCG approved personal otation device. A Type III
water ski vest is an approved and practical PFD.
FIGURE 2-12 WATER SKIER HAND SIGNALS