Water Skiing - Safety Measures
More and more people are getting hooked up on Water Skiing. However, this fun and exciting sport also possesses a lot of hazards and risks. Though the rate of Water Skiing-related injuries is low, it is better to take safety precautions in order to avoid having injuries. There are a lot of factors that you must take into consideration to ensure safety. Some of these include the Ski Area, Weather, Equipment, knowledge on the different Hand Signals, the roles of the Skier, Observer, and Boat Driver, and the importance of being physically and mentally ready before hitting the water. In this section, we will take a look at some of the things you must consider in Water Skiing:
Ski Area
It is very important to know the size of the Ski Area. Each boat which uses a waterway for Water Skiing must maintain a Ski corridor with a width of 200 feet. This allows the boat to have a safety area of 100 feet on each side. The length of the Ski corridor or the whole Skiing course must be 2000 to 3000 feet.
For safe Skiing, the obstruction-free water must be at least five to six feet deep. This will prevent the Skis from dragging bottom at the start of the course. It will also prevent the skier from hitting the bottom as well as obstacles under water in case of a fall.
Besides being illegal, it is a sensible thing not to water ski in swimming areas and low-speed mooring sections.
Safety Equipment
Since you are skiing on water, it will be a great advantage if you know how to swim. But whether you can swim or not, it is a prerequisite to wear a Personal Flotation Device or PFD. The PFD should fit you comfortably. Make sure that it is not too loose. A loose PFD can come off your body due to water pressure during a fall.
Skier, Observer, and Boat Driver
In general, there are three important persons involved in Water Skiing - the Skier, Observer, and the Boat Driver. The general course of the boat must be agreed upon by the Skier and Boat Driver ahead of time. They must coordinate with each other particularly when it comes to directions.
The job of the Boat Driver is primarily to make it a point that the Skier steers away from hazardous areas such as docks, shore, and other obstacles in water. He should be aware not only of his boat but of other boats as well. When turning, make sure that the coast is clear and that there are no downed Skiers or boats on his course.
On the other hand, it is the job of the Observer to be alert and to watch for the Hand Signals of the Skier. He serves as the lookout since the Boat Driver cannot watch the Skier and drive the boat at the same time. If there is no Signal, the Observer can presume that something is wrong and that the Skier needs help immediately.
Physical and Mental Readiness
Just like in any other Skiing Discipline, physical and mental preparedness are very important. Water Skiing is an enjoyable and exciting sport, but it will also be very tiring for you. You need to develop your Strength and Endurance in order to fully enjoy Water Skiing. You should also know that there are hazards in Water Skiing so you need all the preparation you can get.
Do not try Water Skiing if you are drunk or under the influence of drugs. Aside from the fact that doing so will impair your judgment and your ability to respond, it is highly dangerous.
Weather
Be sure to check the weather before you go Water Skiing. Do not go skiing when there are high winds, as well as when it is raining. The rain will impair the visibility of both the Boat Driver and the Skier. Do not dare to water ski in rough water. It will be hard for the tow boat to keep a constant speed. If you are skiing in a cold weather, make sure to wear a wet suit. Body heat loss results to less coordination and judgment during Water Skiing.
Safety is one of the most important things to consider in this wonderful sport. Besides, Water Skiing will not be that fun and exciting if you are not sure about your safety, right?
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