One of the most entertaining sports aboard boats is water skiing. Without question, water skiing is suitable for people in a broad age group, starting from young children to older adults. It should be noted the sport is dangerous, and therefore safety measures must be considered. One of the most critical safety measures is abiding by the law. The laws are in place to keep you, your friends, and your family safe while enjoying water activities. Here is what you need to know about what hours is it legal for a vessel to tow a person(s) on water skis.

Understanding Water Skiing Laws

First and foremost, it should be noted that water skiing laws vary by state. However, all states follow the same pattern with minor alterations to the rules. Here are two water skiing laws that are determined by the state. 

Observer Law

One of the most critical safety measures when towing someone on water skis is the ability to watch them. Water skiers not only fall but provide signals to adjust speed or request to stop altogether. 

An observer comes in two forms. First is an extra person on the boat beyond the driver. Secondly, the driver monitors the skier via a mirror. Without a doubt, the law is in place to prevent distracting the operator of the vessel. Distracted drivers are more likely to run aground or into other boats. 

Be sure to determine the observer law in your state before heading out water skiing.  

Sunset To Sunrise Law

In addition to the observer law is a law based on daylight. Similar to the observer law, the sunrise/sunset law varies by state. We will get into why understanding the importance of observing daylight laws when water skiing. 

For a state by state breakdown on water skiing laws check out this law chart. I use this chart when traveling out of state when I plan to water ski to ensure I remain compliant. 

What Hours Is It Legal For A Vessel To Tow A Person(s) On Water Skis

Without question, you will need to read up on the laws of your state. However, to better understand the range of what hours is it legal for a vessel to tow a person on water skis, each state is similar. 

The laws depending on the state, fall within the following ranges-

Sunrise To Sunset

The most common law is prohibiting water skiing from sunset to sunrise. Therefore, determine sunset before you engage in water skiing during the evening. Conversely, determine sunrise if you plan to water ski in the morning. 

One Hour Before Sunrise To One Hour After Sunset

Without question, is present before legal sunrise and after legal sunset. For this reason, some states allow water skiing before and after sunrise and sunset.  

Half an Hour After Sunset To Sunrise

Similar to the above, a slight modification in some states is allowing water skiing after sunset but not again until after sunrise. 

Half Hour After Sunset To Half Hour Before Sunrise

In this situation, you have an even sunset and before sunrise. Again, determine the actual sunrise and sunset to comply with the law. 

No Law

Believe it or not, some states do not implement requirements on daylight for water skiers. However, use common sense. 

Why Daylight Is Important When Towing Water Skiiers

Visibility when water skiing is significant for a multitude of reasons. Here is how visibility impacts the driver, spotter, and skier. 

Monitoring The Skier

Whether you have a spotter onboard or are using a mirror, you must be capable of seeing the skier. Remember, water skiers may fall or provide hand signals. Without the ability to see them, they become at significant risk. 

The Drivers Visibility

Boats are not fitted with headlights, and to engage in water skiing, the vessel must move fast through the water. Low to no visibility combined with high-speed operation is dangerous. The driver is at risk of running into floating objects, aground, or other vessels or structures. 

The Skiers Visibility

Comparatively, to the driver, the skier must also be able to see. Skiers weave over wakes from side to side, which puts them at risk of colliding with an object like a log or unlit marker. During the daylight, the skier can see dangers and adjust course in advance. 

Fallen Skier

Without a doubt, one of the most frightening situations is losing sight of a skier who has fallen after sunset. Remember, only a small portion of the skier is above water, further enhancing the challenge of locating the person. 

Additionally, fellow boaters will be unaware of a down skier; therefore, they can strike skiers. 

Follow Your States Laws When Water Skiing

Again knowing what hours is it legal for a vessel to tow a person(s) on water skis is dependent on the state. Therefore, research your states laws before heading out water skiing. It should be noted that personal floatation devices are also required when water skiing. Have fun and be safe on the water.