Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Recreational Water Sports and Boating Accidents (Part B)
Waterskier Safety
State laws also govern certain aspects of waterskiing. Waterskier safety is charged to both the skier and the boat operator. This risky sport can be engaged in safely if communication and attention are consistent and persistent on the part of both parties. The laws governing skiing and towing a skier exist in order to prevent accidents, injuries and drowning.
Some state laws require:
- A competent observer age 12 or over in the boat.
- All skiers to wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs).
- Waterskiers to leave the water at sunset.
- Boat operators and waterskiers to have a legal blood alcohol level.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends keeping a 100-foot skiing radius on either side of the boat. A minimum depth for skiing is 5 feet of obstacle-free water. While waterskiing is a high-action sport that lends itself to boisterous participation, restraint is warranted. Antics can cause accidents, and certain actions, such as spraying vessels with wash, are illegal in some states.
While not legal violations, skiing in rough weather or cold weather is discouraged due to increased risks for drivers and skiers. Poor visibility in a heavy downpour can cause operator error. Skiing in cold weather makes hypothermia a more pressing danger.
Boating Among Recreational Water Sports
Boat operators who are not associated with PWC operators or waterskiers can be held liable for personal injury or property damage when striking these recreational users with their vessels. Responsibility to swimmers, surfers and divers is generally enforced by law as well.
The proliferation of PWCs, with their speed and maneuverability, requires constant diligence by boat drivers. While another full-sized vessel may be easy to spot, jet skiers are smaller and can approach fast. Or a swimmer in the water next to a jet ski may be difficult to see.
Contact your state agency or a Boston injury attorney for answers to more questions regarding liability in recreational accidents.
When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained, and do you have experience with boating accidents? Kiley Law Group takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES – (888) 208-1695.
