WATER SPORTS SAFETY

You’ve been fishing all your life, but your kids want to spend more time on the water with you while water-skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. That’s a good reason to brush up on watersports safety tips. How much do you know? —John Tiger

1. When selecting a tube or other similar towable toys for watersports, what are some safety aspects to keep in mind? A. Only buy tubes and toys designed and approved for watersports towing.

B. Old tire tubes work best; run down to your local tire store and ask for leftover, worn-out or repaired truck tire tubes.

C. The toys advertising the ability to lift off the water at higher speeds are best; look for these at your local marine supply store or online. D. None of the above

2. When towing a wakesurfer, wakeboarder, tuber or knee-boarder, what are some good, general commonsense and etiquette guidelines to abide by concerning your surroundings?

A. Be especially mindful of the large wake your boat creates when towing at slower speeds, and stay far away from boating anglers, docks, docked boats, shorelines and moored boats.

B. Maintain a minimum 100-foot distance from other boaters, docks, shorelines and other objects around you in the water.

C. Don’t forget to turn up your boat’s stereo to entertain others.

D. Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs when driving a boat or participating in any watersports activities. E. A, B and D

F. All of the above

3. Your friend suggests a day of watersports, but there’s no one else available to go. Can just the two of you do some watersports towing together?

A. Yes, just be sure to bring some beer and snacks.

B. Your local waterways might have specific rules, but most areas generally require (and recommend where not required) for you to have a third person as a spotter.

C. You don’t need a spotter if you have a rearview mirror and a raised watersports flag in place.

D. All of the above

4. When towing a watersports rider, what are some factors to keep in mind as a responsible driver?

A. An approved life vest must be worn by the rider.

B. The bright sun can severely impede vision and perception, especially as the day goes by.

C. An observer or spotter, usually over a certain age (depending on local laws), must be present.

D. None of the above

E. All of the above

5. Drivers and riders should be aware of watersports hand signals. What are some examples of hand signals between the rider and driver?

A. Thumb up: Increase the speed.

B. Thumb down: Reduce the speed.

C. “OK” gesture (thumb and forefinger in a circle): I am OK, or the speed is OK.

D. Hand across neck in cutting motion: Stop the boat or engine. E. None of the above are correct.

F. All of the above are correct.

5. When purchasing a towrope, what are some important things to look for?

A. Any piece of rope will work, as long as it’s at least 100 feet long. B. Buy only an approved watersports towline for your planned activity (water-skiing, wakesurfing, tubing, wakeboarding, etc.). C. The rope should have knots spaced evenly apart its entire length. D. A and B

E. All of the above