Tow sports offer an exhilarating way to enjoy the water, especially with a Sea-Doo or other personal watercraft (PWC). Whether it’s waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, or wakeskating, the excitement and adrenaline of towing friends behind your watercraft is hard to beat. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and understand the specific rules and regulations of the area where you'll be operating.
Understanding the Regulations
When it comes to jet skis, remember that they are considered a vessel, and as such, there are rules that need to be adhered to. Different areas have their own specific rules. For example, some areas require tow watercraft to be equipped with a mirror. Others require a spotter or observer on board.
Boating Education Requirements
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed a course equivalency or temporary certificate examination and have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 HP or more in Florida. Identification cards for persons completing the course or the equivalency exam are good for a lifetime.
Find information about mandatory boating education requirements for those who have been convicted of any criminal boating violation; an infraction that resulted in a reportable boating accident; or one specified noncriminal infraction within a 12-month period.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
A properly fitted PFD is paramount when it comes to towing safety requirements for all participants. Each person operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear an approved non-inflatable wearable personal flotation device (PFD). All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. The PFDs must be of the appropriate size for the intended wearer, be in serviceable condition, and within easy access.
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A child under the age of 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III personal flotation device while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is underway. Each person riding on a PWC must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device which is properly fitted and fastened.
Observer Requirements
Every vessel towing any device with person(s) on-board are required to have a person other than the operator on-board, for the purpose of maintaining clear observation of the towed individual at all times. Alternatively, a wide-angle rear view ski mirror designed to allow the operator to observe the towed person at all times is acceptable. It’s always recommended to have a spotter facing the rear of the watercraft to ensure the safety of the person being towed.
Safe Operation
All operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag and other circumstances so as not to endanger people outside of the vessel or property. It is illegal to cause the person being towed to collide with any object or person.
It is a violation of Florida law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. It’s important for boaters and PWC operators to be aware of their obligations and follow the law in order to keep everyone safe on the water.
Equipment and Capacity
Watercraft capacity is another important Sea-Doo towing factor. There must be enough seats on board the watercraft for three people - driver, spotter and the person being towed. Most Sea-Doo models will come equipped with a tow eyelet at the back of the seat or a ski pylon attached to the rear deck. This is where you’ll attach the tow rope to your Sea-Doo. It’s important to note the tow eyelet should be used for tubing. The ski pylon is only meant for skiers and wakeboarders.
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Towing Specifics
No matter what watersport you’re taking part in, you’ll want to make sure your equipment is in good condition. Proper tow rope length is also important for your given activity and experience level. For tubing, the rope should be at least 50 feet long. Wakeboard ropes typically range from 45-70 feet, and waterski ropes generally range between 60-70 feet. It’s the responsibility of both driver and spotter to be aware of the location of the rope. Always make sure the tow rope is clear of obstructions and not wrapped around anyone’s feet or hands.
Like the length of your tow rope, proper towing speed depends on the activity and the experience level of the person being towed. You should never tow at speeds that exceed the comfort level of the person in your wake. A good starting point for beginners is around 15-20 mph.
Communication
Communication is key when it comes to Sea-Doo towing as well. It’s difficult to hear over the noise of the waves and the engine, so understanding commonly used hand signals is the best way to communicate on the water.
Additional Regulations and Requirements
- Personal watercraft may not be operated from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used.
- Individuals must be at least 14 years old in order to operate a personal watercraft in Florida.
- It is illegal for someone to knowingly allow a child under the age of 14 to operate a PWC.
- When operating a PWC equipped with an engine cutoff switch, the lanyard must be attached to the operator’s clothing or life jacket.
Sea-Doo Ski Mode
Select Sea-Doo models are equipped with a Ski Mode to provide five pre-set acceleration profiles called, “Ramps,” that give you the perfect launch for your desired tow preferences. Ramp 1 is the slowest setting with gentle acceleration - great for beginners or young riders. Each ramp increases the acceleration and top speed, with Ramp 5 being the quickest and fastest tow setting for more experienced riders.
Summary of Key Regulations
To help you stay compliant and safe while enjoying water sports, here is a table summarizing key regulations:
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| Regulation | Description |
|---|---|
| Boating Education | Required for those born on or after January 1, 1988, to operate vessels with 10 HP or more. |
| Personal Flotation Device (PFD) | Must be worn by everyone operating, riding on, or being towed by a PWC. |
| Observer | Required on board to observe the person being towed, or a wide-angle rear-view mirror must be used. |
| Age Restriction | Individuals must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC in Florida. |
| Nighttime Operation | PWC operation is prohibited from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. |