Towing Safety Tips for Ski Boats

NSW Maritime Targets Tow Sports Over New Year Weekend

Towing activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are exciting ways to enjoy time on the water, but they come with important safety responsibilities. According to General Manager Recreational Boating, Brett Moore, NSW Maritime, understanding the key safety guidelines helps prevent accidents and ensures a fun, safe day for everyone involved. From having a dedicated observer to keeping safe distances, this article covers essential towing safety tips for ski boats to make your experience enjoyable and accident-free.

Operation Tow Safe: A Statewide Safety Campaign

Mr. Moore announced that Operation Tow Safe will involve Boating Safety Officers conducting an education and compliance campaign to raise awareness of safety rules for any towing activities.

Tow-Related Incidents: The Stats and Risks

An average of 26 tow-related incidents occur each year in NSW, with many resulting in serious injuries like propeller strikes. Having a dedicated observer is a legal requirement.

Key Safety Tips for Towing

Mr. Moore emphasizes that towing incidents often involve speed and collisions. He advises keeping 30m clear of boats and structures and 60m clear of swimmers for safety.

Impact of Boat Wash and Waves

Towboat skippers should also be aware of the waves or ‘wash’ their boats generate, as this can pose hazards to other vessels and the foreshore.

Legal Requirements for Safe Towing

The laws for safe towing include:

• The skipper is responsible for all onboard and the person being towed.
• Maintain 30m clearance from boats, shore, and structures.
• Keep 60m clear of swimmers.
• The boat must carry an observer aged 16 or older.
• Maximum of three people can be towed at once.
• Lifejackets are required for those being towed.
• The towing vessel must be registered and display a Safety Label.
• All parties must keep under the 0.05 alcohol limit.

Stay Informed on Boating Safety

For more information on boating safety, visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.