Spotter age in NY

[haley]

Greetings,

I have poked around a bit and it seems the minimum age for a spotter in NY is 12. My 12 year old is pretty mature, and I think he would have no trouble fulfilling spotter duties which I believe are:

1. Watch skier
2. Relay skier signals to driver
3. Let driver know if skier is down
4. Keep an eye on downed skier as we come about
5. Play out the ski rope as we get started again

Am I missing anything? Anyone have pros or cons on starting them this early? We primarily tube. I occasionally get days off without the wife and want to be able to still take the kids out (son may be out of luck though, since daughter is only 9).

jh

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Spotter age in NY

Is it necessary to have a spotter at all? Many times if you have a rear-view mirror mounted, the requirement for the separate spotter is removed, but NY may be different.

 

[haley]

Re: Spotter age in NY

Thanks Hauln, I had to double check that. I found this:

http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/boating/documents/WaterSkiOperatorGuide.pdf

NY does require an observer. I was wrong on the age though - it is 10! Daughter turns 10 in just a few weeks. For mild tubing I think either the 12 or 9.9 year old can handle the observer duties as outlined in that guide.

jh

 

[PBRman]

Re: Spotter age in NY

Thanks Hauln, I had to double check that. I found this:

http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/boating/documents/WaterSkiOperatorGuide.pdf

NY does require an observer. I was wrong on the age though - it is 10! Daughter turns 10 in just a few weeks. For mild tubing I think either the 12 or 9.9 year old can handle the observer duties as outlined in that guide.

jh

My dog is 10 years old and he does a fine job spotting

 

[electricjohn]

Re: Spotter age in NY

Yes it's 10 and two very competent 5 year olds don't count. Found out the hard way, and sheriff didn't think it was funny.