Skiing
Towing anyone on skis or sleds, or any similar contrivance, is fun and requires a team effort. An observer must be on board the tow vessel. The observer is mis-named, for the observer is not really to observe, but to render aid in an emergency. in fact, the law required the "observer" to be able to render aid in an emergency. The vessel operator must be able to see the person being towed at all times without looking back. by law, do not allow yourself to be towed unless you and observer are legal.
Capacity Plates
Capacity plates are located in the vessel for your safety. Remember, each passenger weighs 150 pounds according to law. Do not exceed this number or pound value. Failure to do so might be viewed as "careless operation".
Slow No Wake Speed
Slow no wake speed is a speed of a vessel which makes a wake or wash that is minimal. Go no faster than this when within 100 feet of any dock, raft, anchored vessel or any bathing beaches or any buoys or any persons in the water. Some local laws require this speed in congested areas.
High Speed Boating
High speed boating is a speed where the boat reaches a "plaining" condition. Make sure you are in open water to avoid collision. For the fast boats, inland lakes have a 55 MPH speed limit. violation of this law is reckless operation of a vessel.
Believe it or not, according to the law:
- PFDs can not be stored in plastic bags.
- Vessels must go counter clockwise around the lake when towing.
- All boats must stay 200 feet from a diving flag (a red flag with a diagonal white stripe).
- The operator of a vessel must have the registration on board.
- Rubber rafts must have PFDs on board.
- You are liable for damage caused by your wake.
- It is illegal to swim 100 feet beyond the swim buoys lining a public bathing beach.
- It is illegal to ride on the side (gunwale) or covered bow of a boat (unless the manufacturer designed the boat for that use).
- Children 12 to 16 years old must have a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat of 6 HP or more.
- Some insurance companies give lower rates to skippers who complete safety courses.
- Non use of PFDs is found in over 80 % of drownings.
- Wearing PFDs increases your survival chances in a water accident.
