Re: What are the regs regarding a flag ski flag holder?
California Regs Online (note that all persons towed, not just skiing, must wear a PFD):
WATER-SKIING
When using a boat to tow a person on water skis or an aquaplane, there must be in the boat, in addition to the operator, one other person who can observe the person being towed. The observer must be at least 12 years of age. Effective January 1, 2001, California law provides that any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket. Exceptions: the law does not apply to performers engaged inprofessional exhibitions, official regattas, marine parades, or tournaments. Any person engaged in slalom skiing on a marked course, or barefoot, jump or trick water skiing, may instead wear a wetsuit designed for the activity and labeled by the manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. However, for each skier who elects to wear a wetsuit, a Type I, II, III, or V life jacket still must be carried on board. Note: Inflatable personal flotation devices are not approved for usewhile water-skiing. The towing of water-skiers from sunset to sunrise is prohibited by state law. Local laws may also restrict skiing at certain times during the day and in certain areas. Water skis and aquaplanes must not be operated in a manner to endanger the safety of persons or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier is prohibited. Towing a skier or navigating between a vessel and its tow is prohibited. Towing a skier does not give the operator of the vessel any special privileges. The rules of the road must be observed. Skiers being towed are considered to be persons on board for personal flotation device requirements. For more information on water-skiing, send for the free pamphlet titled Safety Hints for Water-Skiing from the Department of Boating and Waterways.
W A T E R - S K I F L A G
It is mandatory for the operator of a vessel involved in
towing a skier to display, or cause to be displayed, a red
or orange water-ski flag, to indicate:
■ A downed skier
■ A skier in the water preparing to ski
■ A ski line extended for the vessel
■ A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel
The flag must be no less than 12 inches on each side and
be in the shape of a square or rectangle. The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.
