If you love to spend time on your boat, then Milwaukee is one of the best places you can live. Wisconsin has hundreds of lakes with boat launches, and actually holds the title of “Show Ski Capital of the World” due to the huge amounts of water skiing shows and contests our state hosts.
But whether you are a seasoned water skier, or are ready to learn this new skill, there are a few things you need to know.
As a Milwaukee personal injury lawyer, here is my expert advice on how to keep you and your loved ones safe on skis while enjoying the summer.
Top Water Ski Safety Tips
Wear a life vest and make sure your equipment is in good condition.
- A life vest is essential for any skier, and there are many different types to choose from. The United States Coast Guard recommends a Type III personal flotation device because they are designed so that the life vest does not interfere with skiing. In addition to wearing a life vest, you should make sure the towrope you are using is not frayed and that the skis are not broken or damaged in any way.
Know the hand signals.
- Did you know there are specific hand signals for water skiing? For example, a thumbs up signal means the skier wants to go faster and a thumbs down signal means to slow down. If the skier wants to return to the dock or the boat, the skier should pat one hand on his or her head. After a fall, a skier should always signal to the observer that he or she is okay by holding both arms together above the head. Using these signals will help to ensure the safety of the skier and of others.
Ski in groups of three.
- When one person is driving the boat and pulling a skier, there should always be a third person on the boat keeping an eye on the skier. The driver of the boat needs to be able to pay attention to the surrounding area and stay focused on driving the boat. The lookout or observer on the boat is in charge of making sure the skier is safe and should watch for hand signals from the skier.
Be aware of your surroundings.
- If the lake where you are skiing has other boat traffic, swimmers, or piers, the driver of the boat should remember to keep the skier a safe distance from any obstacles.
Falling is inevitable, so be prepared.
- If the skier knows he or she is going to fall, it is best to fall backward to avoid falling onto the skis. Once you are in the water, you should hold one ski up about halfway out of the water. This will allow the observer on your boat to see you and will make you more visible to other boats on the water. If the skier is going to re-enter the boat, make sure the engine is turned off so the skier can board without going near the propeller.
Additional Safety Tips Facts:
1. Check the Weather Forecast
- Before heading out to ski, always check the weather forecast for your area. Water skiing during adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms, heavy winds, or extreme temperatures can be dangerous. Lightning can strike the water, and high winds can cause choppy water, both of which significantly increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, rough weather can reduce visibility and make it difficult to navigate, potentially leading to collisions with other boats or objects.
- Tip: Always have a backup plan in case the weather turns bad. Check forecasts for both the local area and the lake.
2. Wear Sunscreen
- Being out on the water exposes you to direct sunlight for extended periods, and the water reflects UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. Sunscreen with high SPF (at least 30) should be applied to all exposed skin areas, including ears, nose, and neck. Water-resistant sunscreen is best for staying protected during long sessions.
- Tip: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and more frequently if you’re in the water, to ensure continuous protection.
3. Use Proper Footwear
- When entering or exiting the boat, or while waiting in the water, wear water shoes that provide grip and stability. Barefoot skiing can lead to injuries like cuts, scrapes, or bruises, especially in rocky or debris-filled waters. Proper footwear also gives you better control when boarding or maneuvering in the water.
- Tip: Choose water shoes with good traction to reduce the risk of slipping on wet boat surfaces.
4. Use a Spotter for a Second Ski
- If multiple skiers are on the water, having a spotter on the boat is essential for safety. The spotter’s role is to watch the skiers closely, ensuring they are safe and responding to any signals from the skier. The spotter also helps the boat driver stay aware of the skier’s position and condition.
- Tip: The spotter should be able to communicate with the driver and act quickly in emergencies, such as when a skier falls or signals for help.
5. Avoid Skiing in Heavy Traffic Areas
- When piloting the boat, steer clear of crowded areas with other boats, swimmers, or jet skis to reduce the risk of collision. Choose a clear area with minimal boat traffic to ensure the skier has enough space and you can maintain control of their path. Busy areas also make it harder to avoid sudden obstacles.
- Tip: Head for designated water sports zones or larger, open bodies of water where there’s plenty of room to navigate safely.
6. Ensure Proper Boat Speed
- The speed at which the boat pulls the skier is a crucial factor in ensuring both safety and enjoyment. Too fast, and the skier may lose control; too slow, and it becomes difficult to get up on the skis. The speed should match the skier’s skill level, with beginners skiing at slower speeds.
- Tip: Generally, beginners should ski at speeds between 15-20 mph, while more experienced skiers may go up to 30 mph.
7. Limit the Number of Skier Turns
- Making sharp, excessive turns can put too much strain on the skier and increase the risk of losing control. Skier turns should be smooth and gradual. The boat operator should communicate with the skier to make sure turns are executed safely.
- Tip: Keep turns wide and avoid sudden direction changes to ensure a smooth experience.
8. Know the Hand Signals for Stopping
- The hand signals for water skiing are crucial for communication between the skier and the boat operator. If the skier is in trouble or wishes to stop, they should raise both hands above their head. This clear signal will prompt the boat operator to reduce speed or stop immediately.
- Tip: Make sure everyone on the boat understands the hand signals before starting. These signals help prevent confusion or accidents.
9. Use a Ski Spotter for Night Skiing
- Night skiing can be much more hazardous due to limited visibility. The skier’s movements can be harder to track, and obstacles are more difficult to spot. A ski spotter is essential to ensure that the skier is always visible and safe.
- Tip: Use a spotlight or additional boat lights to improve visibility, and make sure all safety equipment is reflective for night skiing.
10. Inspect Your Equipment Regularly
- Before each session, inspect your ski equipment, ropes, bindings, and life jackets for wear and tear. Damaged equipment can cause accidents, including broken ropes or faulty bindings that may lead to falls or entanglement.
- Tip: Keep a toolkit on the boat for quick repairs, including duct tape for temporary fixes on ropes or bindings.
11. Respect Other Boaters
- Always respect the rules of the water, such as staying within boating lanes and being aware of other boaters’ movements. It’s important to maintain a safe distance from other boats and avoid disrupting other people enjoying the water.
- Tip: Use a whistle or horn when navigating tight or busy areas to alert others to your presence.
12. Know How to Signal for Help
- In case of an emergency, it’s important to have a communication plan. If you’re injured or in distress, signaling for help using clear hand signals or a whistle can alert the boat driver or others nearby to assist you.
- Tip: Make sure all skiers know how to use hand signals effectively, and ensure the boat has a whistle or horn for emergencies.
13. Use a Towable Tube for Beginners
- For those just learning how to ski, using a towable tube is a safer and easier alternative. Tubes provide a more stable platform and are less difficult to control. They help new skiers get used to boat speeds and water conditions before trying skis.
- Tip: Start with a towable tube to build confidence and progress to skiing once you’re comfortable with basic boat maneuvers.
Additional Boating and Ski Safety Tips:
- When the boat changes direction, the skier will not turn in the same path as the boat and will generally make a wider turn.
- The boat operator should make sure that any maneuvers will not put the skier in danger.
- Skiing and boating should be avoided in shallow water.
- Remember some lakes have rules on the direction boats should travel as well as no wake rules after a certain time. Before going skiing, make sure to check the rules of the lake.
Make no exceptions when it comes to skiing safety. Serious boating injuries rarely occur when you have made safety your habit and routine practice. Take the time to review these rules and procedures with your boating partners, and enjoy a fun-filled season on the many Milwaukee area lakes.
FAQs:
What are common injuries from water skiing?
- Common injuries from water skiing include sprains, strains, shoulder dislocations, cuts, bruises, and concussions. Serious injuries can occur if the skier falls improperly or collides with objects in the water.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I’m injured while water skiing?
- Yes, if you are injured while water skiing due to someone else’s negligence, such as poor boat operation or faulty equipment, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options.
What should I do if I fall while water skiing and get hurt?
- If you fall while water skiing and get injured, it’s important to signal to the boat crew that you need help. Seek immediate medical attention, document the incident, and consult a personal injury lawyer to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
How can I prevent water skiing accidents?
- To prevent water skiing accidents, always use the proper equipment, check the condition of your gear, ensure good visibility, communicate hand signals with the boat operator, and always ski in safe conditions with a spotter on the boat.
What is considered negligence in water skiing accidents?
- Negligence in water skiing accidents can include improper boat operation, lack of safety equipment, failure to follow water skiing rules, or insufficient spotter on the boat. If any of these factors contribute to an injury, it may be grounds for a personal injury claim.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I am injured due to poor boat maintenance?
- Yes, if your injury was caused by poor maintenance of the boat, such as faulty steering, broken equipment, or malfunctioning parts, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. The owner/operator of the boat could be held responsible for unsafe conditions.
Are water skiing injuries covered by insurance?
- Water skiing injuries may be covered by certain insurance policies, such as boat insurance or personal injury protection in your health insurance. However, it depends on the circumstances of the injury and the type of coverage. It’s recommended to review your policy or consult with an attorney for further details.
Do you have any skiing tips or boating safety information to share? Let us know in the comments!
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For more information on water skiing safety tips, visit:
http://www.usawaterski.org/BasicSkills/LearnToSkiBasics.pdf.