BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 06 - Other Water Activities Emergency Preparation

Towed Sports

Whether you participate as a rider or prefer to watch the action from the dock, towed sports are fun for everyone taking part! However, in order to be performed safely, towed sports require three conditions:

A spotter is required on board the boat. The spotter is someone who can observe the person being towed at all times.
Additional operator skill level. The operator must have experience maneuvering a boat and be familiar with the techniques for picking up passengers in the water.
Proper safety equipment and towing gear. The equipment must be well maintained, in good working order and be appropriate for the sport.

Towing ropes should be at least 75 feet in length. This will keep a safe distance between the rider being towed, the boat’s propeller and the boat’s engine fumes. Additionally, you should always maintain a 200-foot wide ‘ski-corridor’ (100 feet on either side and behind the person being towed).