water skiing flag regulation

[actionljackson]

I have discovered that here in Washington state we have a required law to use a water skiing flag when skiing.I know a few other states require it as well.My question is this: Is this a flag that someone raises when the skiier goes down and we are circling back to pick them up or does it attach to the boat and is raised any and all the while you are skiing.Also what if I'm pulling people on a tube? Same goes here as well?
Thanks I look forward to your replies.
~Leo

 

[oldjeep]

Re: water skiing flag regulation

MN doesn't have a law like that, but when we were in Missouri we were required to attach and fly a red flag when we were towing anything (skier/wakeboard, etc)

Best bet is to read your local law so you are sure for your state

 

[dwco5051]

Re: water skiing flag regulation

I have discovered that here in Washington state we have a required law to use a water skiing flag when skiing.I know a few other states require it as well.My question is this: Is this a flag that someone raises when the skiier goes down and we are circling back to pick them up or does it attach to the boat and is raised any and all the while you are skiing.Also what if I'm pulling people on a tube? Same goes here as well?
Thanks I look forward to your replies.
~Leo

From Washington state's boating regulations;

RCW 79A.60.170
Water skiing safety ? Requirements.

(1) The purpose of this section is to promote safety in water skiing on the waters of Washington state, provide a means of ensuring safe water skiing and promote the enjoyment of water skiing.

(2) No vessel operator may tow or attempt to tow a water skier on any waters of Washington state unless such craft shall be occupied by at least an operator and an observer. The observer shall continuously observe the person or persons being towed and shall display a flag immediately after the towed person or persons fall into the water, and during the time preparatory to skiing while the person or persons are still in the water. Such flag shall be a bright red or brilliant orange color, measuring at least twelve inches square, mounted on a pole not less than twenty-four inches long and displayed as to be visible from every direction.

RCW 79A.60.010
Definitions.

(30) "Water skiing" means the physical act of being towed behind a vessel on, but not limited to, any skis, aquaplane, kneeboard, tube, or any other similar device.

 

[actionljackson]

Re: water skiing flag regulation

Thanks DWCO 5051 thats the rule I was looking for but could not find.Thanks for your reply as well Old Jeep.
Happy Boating to both of you.
~Leo

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: water skiing flag regulation

I haven't read the laws until now AZ but I know for a safety fact that I use a red/Orange Flag for the following reasons.

Anytime a Person is in the Water.
Anytime when a Ski Rope is in the water.
Anytime I'm stopped in a Busy Water Way.

Here is the AZ laws FWI>

A vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or any other similar device must have at least two persons on board?one to operate the vessel and a second person to observe the towed person(s). The observer must be at least 12 years old and be physically capable and mentally competent to act as an observer of a water-skier.
Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or a similar device must wear a life jacket (PFD) or buoyant belt. Note, however, that buoyant belts are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The AZGFD recommends the use of a U.S. Coast Guard?approved, brightly colored Type III life jacket (PFD). The brightly colored life jacket (PFD) aids in making a skier more visible to other vessels.
Water-skiing is restricted to daylight hours only. It is illegal to tow a person(s) on water skis, surfboard, or other similar device from sunset to sunrise.
Both the operator of the towing vessel and the skier must operate in a safe manner. A reasonable distance from other vessels, people, and property must be maintained so as not to cause danger to the life or property of others.
State law makes the person being towed (the skier) responsible if he or she behaves in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner.
Vessels towing person(s) on water skis or a similar device must carry and use a bright red or orange skier-down flag that is at least 12 x 12 inches in size and mounted on a handle. The observer must continuously observe the skier(s) and display a skier-down flag whenever a skier is in the water after falling or while preparing to ski.
If towing a skier with a PWC, the same water-skiing laws apply. Do not exceed the carrying capacity of the personal watercraft.
Hand Signals for Skiers

 

[Insteada]

Re: water skiing flag regulation

MN doesn't have a law like that, but when we were in Missouri we were required to attach and fly a red flag when we were towing anything (skier/wakeboard, etc)

Actually, the Missouri law reads the same way. The flag is only supposed to be up when someone is IN the water. But usually most folks just put it up while they are going.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: water skiing flag regulation

Actually, the Missouri law reads the same way. The flag is only supposed to be up when someone is IN the water. But usually most folks just put it up while they are going.

OK, we just ran the flag the whole time - didn't know any better I guess.