One of the most important parts of water skiing is safety. When you go out on the water, you want to remain safe. The last thing you need is an accident due to carelessness.

When you're the one in charge of towing a water skier, you need to know how to do it safely. Here are some of the things to remember when towing a water skier out on the water.

Safety Tips for the Water Skier

As the person being towed, there are some things you can do to ensure you remain safe. You can also make it easier on the driver by making sure you're on the same page with your signals.

Some of the things to focus on as the skier include:

• Getting out of the water safely

• Using the tow rope properly

• Reviewing basic hand signals

• Always have a spotter 

• Always wear an approved life jacket

• Make sure the propeller has stopped before climbing on or off the boat

• Let the tow rope go immediately after falling

These are just a few of the top tips you want to focus on if you're the one being towed by the boat. As a water skier, you can make the job of the boat driver a bit easier by following these tips and proper safety protocol.

Safety Tips for the Boat Driver

As the boat driver, you want to remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. You're in charge and one wrong move could lead to disaster. 

When it's time to tow a water skier, you want to do it safely. Here are a few steps to help you remain safe out on the water.

Step #1

Only start the engine once the water skier is clean from the boat and the propeller. You want to put the boat in and out of neutral as you move away from the skier to get the tow rope tight, as well.

Step #2

Always wait for the skier to signal you to ensure they are ready. Once they give you the signal, accelerate slowly, and increase the speed of the boat smoothly.

Step #3

Understand the preferred speed of the skier once you start cruising. For beginners, it's best to start at 20 miles per hour until they tell you they want to increase the speed.

Step #4

Make turns like a skeleton keyhole by starting the turn slightly to the left, and then pulling it back to the right to create a circle. You will be slowing down as you turn, so make sure to give the boat a bit more gas to compensate. 

Always avoid sharp turns as a sharp turn will make it harder to control the skier. If a sharp turn must be made, reduce the throttle.

Step #5

Be prepared to circle back the moment your spotter lets you know the skier has fallen. You want to pass the skier on the driver's side of the boat to ensure you have eyes on the skier at all times. 

Use these steps to properly and safely pull a water skier. It's also important to make sure you never back up towards a skier and you always want to use a spotter.