Water-Skiing - Yamaha AR230 Owner's/Operator's Manual

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S I
AFETY

WATER-SKIING

You can use the boat to tow a water
skier, using the tow cleat provided.
It is the boat operator's responsibility to
be alert to the safety of the water-skier
and others. Know and follow all state
and local water-skiing regulations in
effect for the waters in which you will
be operating.
The following are some important con-
siderations for minimizing risks while
water-skiing.
l The skier should wear an approved
PFD, preferably a brightly colored
one so boat operators can see the
skier.
l The skier should wear protective
clothing. Severe internal injuries can
occur if water is forced into body
cavities as a result of falling into the
water or while reboarding. Normal
swimwear does not adequately pro-
tect against forceful water entry into
rectum or vagina. The skier should
wear a wetsuit bottom or clothing
that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tight-
ly woven, sturdy, and snug fitting
NFORMATION
apparel such as denim, but does not
include spandex or similar fabrics
like those used in bicycle shorts.
l A second person should be on
board as a spotter to watch the
skier; in most states, it is required
by law. Let the skier direct the oper-
ator's control of speed and direction
with hand signals. Be sure the seat
is locked in place (pg. 2-16) before
getting underway.
l When preparing to pull a skier, oper-
ate the boat at the slowest possible
speed until the boat is well away
from the skier and slack in the tow-
rope is taken up. Make sure that the
rope is not looped around anything.
After checking that the skier is ready
and that there is no traffic or other
obstacles, apply enough throttle to
raise the skier.
l Make smooth, wide turns. The boat
is capable of very sharp turns, which
could exceed the abilities of the
skier. Keep the skier at least 50m
(164 ft), about twice the distance of
a standard towrope, away from any
potential hazard.
l Be alert to the hazard of the towrope
handle snapping back at the boat
when the skier falls or is unable to
get up on the skis.
For the AR230, also see page 2-21
for Wakeboard tower use.
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