How to Tow Passengers from a Boat Safely

We understand that watersports can add an element of fun and excitement to your boat day. But before you dive straight in it's important to understand how to operate a boat safely when towing passengers.

Before You Begin Towing

We've outlined a list of considerations to be considered prior to starting the engine.

Check the Equipment

Before the rider enters the water, you'll want to make sure the tow rope, handle and water sports equipment is functioning properly, in good condition, and correctly assembled. The Freedom Boat Club fleet is well maintained and equipped with necessary safety gear, but if you are not aboard one of our boats, verify that it is functioning properly, including the rear-view mirror and all required safety equipment is aboard.

Wear a Life Jacket

All participants should be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) that fits properly. Riders may even be legally required to wear a life jacket for water sports depending on your state's laws. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that life jackets be worn by adults for all marine activities, including water skiing and wakeboarding. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear one by law.

Designate a Spotter

A spotter, also referred to as an observer, is a designated person that keeps a vigilant eye on the rider. The spotter should also act as a "middleman" by communicating with the driver based on what they see. The boat's driver cannot double as the spotter. 

Familiarize Yourself with the Area

If you are participating in water sports while in unfamiliar waters, be sure to take the time needed to familiarize yourself with the body of water. You need to be aware of potential hazards like rocks, buoys, and shallow areas. Always adhere to the channel markers and be aware of other boaters on the water.

Establish Communication

Verbal communications should only occur just before launch. When the rider seems to be properly situated, the driver or spotter should loudly ask, “ARE YOU READY?” If they are not ready, the rider should yell, “WAIT!” Don't user the words “NO” and “GO” because they can be easily confused. When a rider is ready, they should let you know to “HIT IT!”

During Towing 

Here's what you need to know while the water sport activity is in progress.

Maintain Communication

After the rider is up and moving, revert to hand signals. Here’s a few to learn:

• * A thumbs up from the rider means go faster.
  
• * A thumbs down means to slow down.
  
• * The OK sign means you have the right speed.
  
• * If the rider mimics slashing their throat or patting the top of their head, they want to quit.
  
• * After crashing, if the rider is OK, they should signal by grabbing their wrist over their head.

Control Your Speed

Always adjust your speed to account for the skill level and comfortability of the person being towed. Accelerating suddenly and taking sharp turns are maneuvers you should avoid. Do not operate at too high of a speed, especially in crowded areas or rough conditions. Depending on the water sport, you'll want to maintain a steady speed in the range of 15-25 miles per hour.

Keep a Safe Distance

Always maintain a safe distance from other boats, potential hazards, channel markers, and the shoreline. Besides the vessel, you need to take the person being towed into account. Ensure ample space between the rider and any obstacles while keeping the tow rope clear of entanglement.

Operate with Clear Focus

Participating in water sports is not the time to party or mess around on the boat. Both the driver and spotter should maintain focus on the activity at hand. Do not consume any substances that could impair judgement or hinder reaction times. All other boat passengers should avoid creating distractions for the driver, spotter, and rider.

After Towing

When you've completed a ride, there's still a few considerations to keep in mind.

How to Stop and Restart

When the rider is finished, make sure the engine is off before the they approach the boat. The engine needs to be completely shut off, not just in neutral, because the engine's propeller poses a serious injury hazard. When it's time to restart your towing activities, ensure the rider is in position and re-establish communication before restarting the engine.

Dealing with an Emergency

Although no one wants to believe that their day of fun can result in emergency, we must be prepared for anything. Knowing basic first aid and how to respond to potential accidents can make all the difference when faced with an emergency while out on the water. Be prepared to contact emergency services by phone or VHF radio if assistance is needed.

Other Considerations

Below are some additional tips we think are important for every water sport participant to know.

Assess the Weather

Monitor weather conditions leading up to the day of your planned activity. Avoid participating in water sports during inclement weather, periods of low visibility and/or choppy water. There's no better time to be on the water than when it's bright and sunny!

Complete Safety Training

If all participants are not equipped with basic water sports safety knowledge, consider pursuing a safety training course before you even leave the dock. Freedom Boat Club members have access to unlimited on-water training with certified captains. And while our training is focused on vessel operation, or captains will be happy to provide their recommendations for safe towing. 

Remain Legally Compliant

You must follow all local, state, and federal regulations regarding boating and water sports activities. Make sure to do your due diligence in order to remain compliant and avoid legal repercussions.

An additional resource we recommend is the Water Sports Industry Association’s Towed Water Sports Handbook. It’s a comprehensive and free 24-page guide that outlines fundamental safe towing skills and tow boat safety tips.

And remember, most Freedom Boat Club members have access to wake boats within the fleet at nearby locations. Wake boats, also known as wake sports boats or tow boats, are specifically designed for watersports. The design of wake boats, like the ones made by Heyday, creates waves and wakes that make it ideal for wake boarding, wake surfing, or tubing. These models are a popular choice among our thrill-seeking members.

If you found this article helpful and are interested in boat club membership as a means of enjoying water sports, check out this article in which we break down the benefits of a boat club and outline the factors that determine pricing in your area.