How To Avoid Water Ski Accidents

If your truly want to enjoy the water, then you absolutely must learn how to avoid water-ski accidents. Water skiing is enjoyable, but unfortunately many people become overly comfortable and test their limits. This is when accidents occur. To truly avoid these accidents, understand all the water safety procedures and practice them regularly.

1. Wear a life vest. This is an absolute. Sometimes accidents happen when you water ski and even the best skier may be knocked unconscious. So, even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest.
2. Always have a spotter. There is no excuse to water ski without a third party in the boat. The boat’s driver simply cannot focus on driving the boat and the skier at the same time. A spotter should always be present to make the driver aware of the water skier’s situation. This way the spotter can alert the driver if the skier falls or needs assistance. This will ultimately reduce the chance of accidents.
3. Ski at an appropriate depth. The depth of the area where you water ski should be at least six feet. This way the skier can comfortably fall and not hit the bottom. Skiing at a depth less than six feet reduces your chances of avoiding a water skit accident.
4. Water ski in clear and open water. Yes, you can water ski when there are other boats present, but you must gauge the risks. If the area seems overcrowded and there are not any adequate ski lanes, then avoid skiing in that area. Many water ski accidents happen in overcrowded and populated parts of the water.
5. Turn the engine off. When a skier falls, always turn the boat’s engine off upon approach. Many drivers overlook the importance of this, and sometimes accidents can occur. You can never be too safe.
6. Have hand signals. The water skier, driver, and spotter should all know the hand signals. Hand signals are a great way to communicate. Among other things, they let driver know if they should stop, slow down, or speed up.
7. Do not ski at night or at dusk. If you really want to avoid accidents when you water ski, then you will never ski at night or other times when there is low visibility. Skiing in the daylight lets everyone see all the obstacles or other possible dangers.