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About Water Skiing
Water skiing is a very popular
form of boating, as evidenced by the numerous skiers who
converge on favourite spots along the River Murray, particularly
on weekends. There are times when this level of popularity
results in overcrowding of some areas and this, coupled with the
relatively high speeds associated with water skiing creates an
element of risk both for participants and other river users.
To minimise these risks, a number
of special rules apply to water skiing in addition to those
which apply to boating generally-
* Water skiing is not permitted
before sunrise or after sunset except with written permission
from the Marine Safety Section.
* No more than three people or
one device (such as a tyre tube) may be towed behind a boat at
any one time, except with written permission.
* Every water skier (or person
being towed in any other manner) must wear an approved personal
floatation device (PFD) type 2 or 3.
* A boat engaged in water skiing
must carry an observer in addition to the operator. In general,
both the operator and the observer must be at least 16 years of
age. However, a person between 12 and 15 years of age may act as
an observer, provided that he or she holds a boat operator's
permit and the boat operator is at least 18 years of age.
* The observer must continuously
watch the skier and give the operator of the boat any directions
necessary to ensure the safety of the skier.
* 0.05 blood alcohol limits apply
to observers and water skiers, in addition to boat operators.
* A skier falling into the water
must when possible hold an arm or ski vertically in the air to
signal his or her presence.
* Turns on leaving, approaching
or in front of a take-off area must be made in an anti-clockwise
direction.
* Boats leaving a take-off area
must keep out of the way of boats arriving at a take-off area.
* Ski ropes or skis trailing from
a boat must be removed from the water before arriving at a
take-off area.
* Dropped skis must not be left
in the water so as to present a hazard to other traffic.
* Applicable to all boats - a
boat must not travel within 50 meters of and directly behind a
person who is being towed by another boat.
Alcohol and Drugs
0.05 alcohol limits apply to the operators of all boats in South
Australian waters. Police and Marine Safety Officers are
empowered to use breath testing equipment to help detect
operators exceeding legal limits. Heavy penalties and loss of
license apply to offenders.
Alcohol increases body heat loss,
reducing your survival time if you should fall overboard, and
increases pulse rate, leading to quick exhaustion if you have to
swim to safety.
Prescription medications and
other drugs can also pose problems. Many preparations for a
sea-sickness, hay fever and other allergies can make you feel
drowsy or easily confused. Check with your doctor or chemist on
the possible side effects of any drug you are obliged to take
before you go boating.
Accidents
If you are operating a boat which is involved in a collision or
other casualty, you are legally obliged to:
* Stop your boat;
* If the accident results in he
death or injury of any person, or damage to another vessel which
affects its seaworthiness of the safety of those on board,
render any assistance possible without serious danger to your
own passengers or crew
* Give your name and address and, if requested, the name of the
owner of the boat to the operator of any other boat involved,
any injured person or the owner of any damaged property;
* If the accident has resulted in
death or injury to any person or damage to any vessel; or
property apparently exceeding $300, you must report the matter
to a police officer near the place of the accident as soon as
possible and within 48 hours, stating:
- the time and place of the
accident;
- the circumstances;
- the name and addresses of any
person killed or injured; and
- the names and addresses of any
witnesses.
A special form for reporting
boating accidents is available from most police stations.
If you are not directly involved
in an accident but see one occur nearby, you have a legal
obligation to assist where possible, provided that in doing so
you do not seriously endanger your own passengers.
Insurance
Although boat insurance is completely voluntary, boat owners are
strongly advised to take out some form of cover, particularly
against liability which may occur if loss of life or serious
injury results from a boating accident.
Even accidents which result in
little or no property damage often cause serious injuries to
those involved, and damages claims for the personal injuries
sustained in an accident often amount to tens of thousands of
dollars. Without adequate third party insurance, the
consequences of a claim for personal injuries or damage caused
to property could be disastrous and quite easily lead to
financial ruin.
Marine insurance cover is
reasonably inexpensive, however, it can be arranged through any
insurance company offering this type of policy. >> Boat Dealers, builders & operators
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More information from the Marine Operations Group Safety
Handbook
Correct at the time of printing |
