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Illinois Senate Bill 2731 New Skier Tow Rules: The Bill mandates that the operator of any watercraft that is towing a person, such as a water skier or tuber, must display a bright orange flag measuring not less than 12 inches per side. The flag must be displayed from the time the person to be towed leaves the boat until that person returns to the boat at the conclusion of the activity.
E. The operator of any watercraft that is towing a person
or persons shall display on the watercraft a bright or
brilliant orange flag measuring not less than 12 inches per
side. The flag shall be displayed at the highest point of the
area surrounding the boat's helm as to be visible from all
directions, continuously, while the person or persons being
towed depart the boat in preparation for towing and until
reentry into the boat when the activity has ceased. Display of
the flag for purposes other than the activity described in this
Section is prohibited.
In California their is another requirement that a spotter in addition to the boat operator be onboard when towing a person behind the boat. I don't know if we have a flag requirement so much as a signaling device as I've seen people use life vests in front of water patrols and not get hassled or ticketed.
Ohio has always had the spotter law, but there was legislation last year to not require it if you have a mirror. It never made it out of the house or to a vote that I know of.
WOW! Just did some research for our trip to Lake Norman in July and read this.....
3. The vessel towing the skier shall be equipped with a rear vision mirror or carry an observer (not the boat operator) or the person being towed is wearing a PFD
Don't need a mirror or observer if you have a PFD on
In California their is another requirement that a spotter in addition to the boat operator be onboard when towing a person behind the boat. I don't know if we have a flag requirement so much as a signaling device as I've seen people use life vests in front of water patrols and not get hassled or ticketed.
Please (pretty please!) focus on the other things going on in our state and ignore what IL (and other states around us) have done in regards to this topic.
Gee in Florida we don't have any flag requirements like that, Here we simply fire a warning shot across the bow of any fool who comes too close to us when we are towing someone. WORKS FOR US!
3. The vessel towing the skier shall be equipped with a rear vision mirror or carry an observer (not the boat operator) or the person being towed is wearing a PFD
The rule on my boat is under 16 pfd at all times, 16+ pfd when the engines are running. When at anchor I allow the 16&17 year olds to take off their jackets if they stay on board. The 17 and under crowd must swim with the pfd on. 18+ you have the option. The lake I like to go to is (currently) 180' deep where we play, I am NOT going in after you.
