BOMBARDIER SeaDoo Speedster 200 Operator's Manual page 26

Water skiing, wake boarding, or riding
a towed, inflatable apparatus are some
of the more popular water sports. Tak-
ing part in any water sport requires in-
creased safety awareness by the par-
ticipant and the boat operator. If you
have never pulled someone behind
your boat before, it is a good idea to
spend some hours as an observer,
working with and learning from an ex-
perienced driver. It is also important to
be aware of the skill and experience of
the person being pulled. Always have
a second person on board to observe
the person in the water so the driver
can concentrate on operating the boat.
Both the boat operator and observer
should monitor the location of the tow-
rope when participating in water-
sports. A slack tow rope can become
entangled with person(s) or objects in
the boat or in the water, particularly
when making a tight turn or circling,
and cause serious personal injury.
Everyone participating in a water sport
should observe these guidelines:
1. Allow only capable swimmers to
take part in any water sport.
2. Always wear a personal flotation
device (PFD) approved by the U.S.
Coast Guard. Wearing a properly
designed PFD helps a stunned or
unconscious person stay afloat. A
Type-IV water-ski vest is an ap-
proved and practical PFD.
3. Have a second person aboard to ob-
serve the person being towed and
inform the driver about the partici-
pant's hand signals. The driver must
give full attention to operating the
boat and the waters ahead.
SAFETY INFORMATION
4. Be considerate to others you share
the water with.
5. Give immediate attention to a per-
son who has fallen. He or she is vul-
nerable in the water alone and may
not be seen by other boaters.
6. Approach a person in the water from
the lee side (opposite the direction
of the wind). Turn off the motor be-
fore coming close to the person.
7. Turn off engine and anchor the boat
before swimming.
8. Participate in water sports only in
safe areas. Stay away from other
boats, channels, beaches, restrict-
ed areas, swimmers, and heavily
traveled waterways and underwa-
ter obstructions.
9. Swim only in areas designated as
safe for swimming. These are usu-
ally marked with a swim area buoy.
Do not swim alone or at night.
F00A2MY
SWIM AREA BUOY
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