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NEWS
Easter waterski warning
Do the right thing to avoid Murray River madnessWater skiers heading to the River Murray for Easter -- especially those new to the sport -- are reminded to refresh their knowledge of the rules before launching.
The Murray is a popular destination over the four-day holiday and the congested conditions can be dangerous for those who don’t know what they’re doing.
A lot of risks are taken by people that aren’t familiar with the rules on the river, Murray transport safety compliance officer, Dean Holloway said.
“There are some very basic rules that everyone must know before launching,” he said. “For example, all ski boats must have an observer to check on the safety of the skier.
“Boats must also keep at least 100 metres behind someone being towed by another boat or 50 metres from a person in the water if you are exceeding four knots.”
Here's a rundown on the rules before you head out on the Murray this Easter... Oh, and the rules apply to most waterways. So brush up and avoid a dust up.
GENERAL
- Waterskiing is not permitted before sunrise or after sunset.
- No more than three people, or one device carrying up to three people, may be towed at one time.
- .05 blood alcohol limits apply to skippers, observers and skiers as well as drug blood content limit restrictions.
WATER SKIERS
- Every water skier or person being towed in any other manner must wear an approved Type 2 or Type 3 personal flotation device.
- A skier falling into the water must (unless injured) hold an arm or ski vertically in the air to signal their presence.
OBSERVERS
- Waterskiing boats must carry an observer in addition to the skipper. The observer must continuously watch the skier and give the operator of the boat any directions necessary to ensure the safety of the skier.
- Both skipper and observer must be at least 16 years of age. A person between 12 and 15 years of age may only act as an observer if they hold a special boat operator's permit and the skipper is at least 18 years of age.
SKIPPERS
- Turns on leaving, approaching or in front of a take-off area must be made in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping to the starboard side of the waterway.
- Boats leaving a take-off area must keep out of the way of boats arriving at a take-off area. This means that boats entering the take-off area have the right of way.
- 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 as they present a hazard to other traffic.
- A boat must not travel within 100 metres of, or directly behind, a person who is being towed by another boat.
To refresh your rules knowledge go to the waterskiing page on sa.gov.au
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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