Water Skiing - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

9. Do not allow anyone near the propeller(s), even
when the engine is off. Propeller blades are sharp
and can continue to turn even after the engine is
off. Stay at least 150 feet away from areas
marked by diver down float. See Figure B16.
Figure B16: Diver Down Float
10. Do not drive the boat directly behind a water
skier. At 25 miles per hour, the boat will over-
take a fallen skier who was 200 feet in front in
about 5 seconds.
B. Water Skiing
The popular sport of water skiing has brought a spe-
cial set of safety precautions to observe in boating.
The following guides help prevent accidents while wa-
ter skiing.
1. Water ski only in safe areas, away from other
boats and swimmers, out of channels, and in
water free of underwater obstructions.
2. Allow no one who can not swim to water ski.
Skiers must wear a USCG approved floatation
device. A Type III water-ski vest is an approved
and practical PFD.
3. Have a second person aboard to observe the
skier and inform the driver about the skier's hand
signals (Figure B17). The driver must give full
attention to operating the boat and the waters
ahead.
4. Give immediate attention to a fallen skier. Be
careful not to swamp the boat while taking the
skier on board.
5. Always participate in water sports in safe areas.
Stay away from other boats, beaches,
swimmers, and heavily traveled waterways.
6. Be considerate of others you share the water
with.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
7. Give immediate attention to a person who has fallen.
He or she is vulnerable in the water alone and may
not be seen by other boaters.
8. Approach a person in the water from the lee side
(opposite the direction of the wind). Stop the motor
at least a boat length from the person.
9. Turn off engine and anchor your boat before swim-
ming.
Rotating Propeller!
Rotating propeller can cut or sever causing seri-
ous injury or death. Switch engine off before ski-
ers enter the water and before taking skiers aboard.
Do not leave engine running in neutral. Ac-
cidently engaging shift can seriously injure skier.
10. Do not water ski between sunset and sunrise. It is
illegal in most states.
For more information about water skiing, please contact
the American Water Ski Association, 799 Overlook Drive,
Winter Haven, FL. 33884 or call 1-800-533-2972.
Section B
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