Whether you’re a seasoned warrior of the water or a new boat owner, it is important to know the rules of the lake for towing passengers. Here are some tips to take to the cottage this weekend before hitting the water behind the boat!
- Make sure your boat is legal to tow! Most boats can legally tow passengers, but not all are able to do so legally. PWC’s are an example of this; PWC’s with three or more seats are able to tow passengers, however if the PWC has less than three seats it is not legal to tow passengers!
- Always wear a lifejacket. It’s always good to have a jacket on deck, but if you are in the water it is the safest thing to do.
- Have someone spotting from the boat. The driver of the boat ought to pay attention to captaining the vessel. It is a good idea to have someone else on board who is able to watch the person(s) being towed in the event of an accident that needs immediate attention.
- Ensure your tow line is secure. Having a strong and long enough rope is critical to safely towing passengers behind your vessel. Ensure the line is tied to the boat securely and that it is free of wear and tear. This is especially important if you are towing more than one person.
- Careful with the waves! Taking passengers over large wake is known to cause many injuries, mostly to the back. While it makes for an exciting ride, proceed with caution and ensure your riders are aware of what is coming.
- Know the rider(s). Knowing the capabilities and experience of the person(s) you are towing should give you an idea of how aggressive or easy you should be in your driving. This is particularly important with smaller children.
- Make sure you are familiar with the equipment. Knowing how your boat turns, how it handles chop, and the size and type of wake it produces helps with knowing how to captain your vessel with passengers behind it. Be sure to follow recommendations on tubes and boats including maximum weight, passenger capacity and age limits.
Will Marshall Insurance Brokers wants to make sure your summer on the water in Central Ontario is a safe and enjoyable one. We deal with policies to keep your watercraft and other recreational toys protected all summer long. Contact us today in Barrie or Orillia to learn more.
Call 705-726-2551 or 705-326-5664 to reach our Orillia office.