Water Ski

Water Ski

• A. Skier required to wear a USCG approved PFD and boat must carry a USCG approved Type I PFD for each person the boat is certified to carry, inflatable personal flotation devices are not approved for any person towed by a vessel. Skier can wear non approved life vest but must also wear approved.
• B. Skier may wear any PFD
• C. Inflatable PFDs are the only requirement
• D. No PFD required for water skiers

Answer: (A)

When a vessel is towing a skier, you must have a USCG-approved personal flotation device and wear it. The boat also must carry a USCG-approved Type I PFD for each person the boat is certified to carry. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for anyone being towed by a vessel, so they cannot substitute for the required device in this scenario. The skier may wear a non-approved life vest only if an approved PFD is also worn, ensuring a certified flotation device is in use. The other options ignore the tow-specific requirement or permit nonapproved or inflatable options, which do not meet the safety standards for water-skiing.

When a vessel is towing a skier, you must have a USCG-approved personal flotation device and wear it. The boat also must carry a USCG-approved Type I PFD for each person the boat is certified to carry. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for anyone being towed by a vessel, so they cannot substitute for the required device in this scenario. The skier may wear a non-approved life vest only if an approved PFD is also worn, ensuring a certified flotation device is in use. The other options ignore the tow-specific requirement or permit nonapproved or inflatable options, which do not meet the safety standards for water-skiing.