Water Skiing - Four winns 248 Vista Owner's Manual

10. Do not drive the boat directly behind a water skier.
At 25 miles per hour, the boat will overtake 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 special
set of safety precautions to observe in boating. The fol-
lowing guides help prevent accidents while water 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. Ski-
ers must wear a USCG approved floatation device.
A Type III water-ski vest is an approved and practi-
cal PFD.
3. Have a second person aboard to observe the skier
and inform the driver about the skier's hand signals
(Figure B18). The driver must give full attention to
operating the boat and the waters ahead.
4. Give immediate attention to a fallen skier. Be care-
ful 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.
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 neu-
tral. Accidently engaging shift can seriously in-
jure skier.
Vista™ Owner's Manual
™
10. Do not water ski between sunset and sunrise.
It is illegal in most states.
For more information about water skiing, please con-
tact the American Water Ski Association, 799 Over-
look Drive, Winter Haven, FL. 33884 or call 1-800-
533-2972.
Section B
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