WATER SKIING

Always follow safe towing procedures. The term skiing or towing implies you are pulling a person or persons behind your boat. This includes pulling skiers, wakeboarders, tubers, kiters, or any other evolution where a person is in the water and being pulled by a boat.

Never allow teak-surfing as the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning and propeller injury are significant.

Safe towing practices include: having a responsible, dedicated observer who is in a position to observe the progress of the skier. Using a wide-angle mirror to keep an eye on the skier and raising a skier flag anytime a skier is in the water.

Never tow someone close to shorelines, boathouses, boatramps, or under bridges. Maintain a clear skiing corridor, giving ample room to maneuver both the boat and the skier in a safe manner.

Tennessee Skiing Laws

Any vessel used to tow a person on water skis, surfboard or similar device must follow these regulations:

• Skiing is allowed only from sunrise to sunset. It is prohibited during inclement weather.
• Vessels towing skiers must be equipped with a 170 degree, wide-angle rearview mirror or have on board a person 12 years or older, other than the operator to observe the progress of the skier.
• Skiers must wear an adequate and effective life preserver, buoyant vest or life belt. If the device worn is not Coast Guard approved, then an approved device for the skier must be on board the towing vessel.
• Never allow the vessel or the ski to be manipulated in a manner which endangers life limb or property.
• Do not ski near, or in front of, tow boats or other large craft since their visibility is restricted and their ability to stop quickly or maneuver is extremely limited.
• Driver and passengers must not sit on deck, gunwales or transom while the boat is in motion.

Ski Jumps

Those persons desiring to place a ski jump ramp on the waters of Tennessee must make application for such ramp in writing to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and must accompany the request with documentation showing approval has been obtained from the appropriate federal agencies (i.e., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or TVA).
The application may be in letter form and must indicate:

• The exact location desired.
• Acknowledgement that the ramp will be maintained in safe condition at all times.

Permits will not be issued for ski jump ramps to be installed in a permanent mooring basis.

• Ski jump ramps approved to be left overnight except within 300 feet from boat docks must be adequately marked and equipped with amber colored flashing light.
• Ski jump ramps must be constructed and equipped with adequate means of preventing non-authorized use. Such equipment must be installed and utilized in such a manner as to not be a hazard.