2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 31flag when your towed watersport participant falls down or off thetowed device will alert boats around you to the fact that someone isin the water nearby and that they should avoid the area.• Many lakes have recommended tow patterns. Other boats mayexpect that you know the local customs and practices. It iscommon that the tow pattern is counter-clockwise around thelake, but there are exceptions. Check for local recommendationsor requirements.• NEVER lift or trailer the boat with water in the bilge or in ballasttanks. Lift or trailer per manufacturer’s instructions.• Around marina docks where electrical current is present (such asshore power connections) it is unsafe to swim as stray electricalcurrents may exist, which can cause you to drown.Tow Line GuidelinesTow lines come in different lengths and strengths for differentactivities. Make sure any line you are using is suited for skiing orriding and that it is in good condition.• Never use a tow line that is frayed, knotted, unraveling ordiscolored from use or being left in the sun. If a line breaks while inuse it can recoil at the skier/rider being towed or into the watercraftwhere it might strike passengers. Replace tow lines with any signof damage.• Never use a tow line with elastic or bungee material to pull skiers or riders.• Tow line should be attached to the watercraft in an approvedfashion with hardware designed for towing. Refer to your watercraftmanual for instructions on proper tow line attachment.• Always route tow lines away from the propeller, even when idling.Shut off the engine if your boat starts to cross a floating tow line.• If a tow line should become entangled in a propeller, shut offengine, remove the key and put it in your pocket before retrievingthe line.• Tow lines should be neatly coiled and stowed in the boat when not in use.Fallen Skier or RiderFalling and injuries are common in water skiing and other towedwatersports. Keep tow speeds in a comfortable range given the rulesof the activity and the skill level of participants.• Display a red or orange skier/rider down flag to alert other vesselsthat a skier/rider is down. In some states, it is required to raise the“fallen skier” flag when the skier has fallen.• Turn the boat and slowly circle toward the person in the water toreturn the tow line handle or towed device to that person.• Always keep the fallen skier/rider in view and preferably on theoperator’s side of the watercraft.• Put the watercraft in neutral whenever you are near a fallen skier/rider.• Shut off the engine when retrieving someone from the water orif the person in the water gets too close to the boat. Do not trustneutral gear with an idling engine. Someone may accidentally orprematurely shift the gear, or the linkages may be out of adjustmentand the propeller may still be slowly spinning.Develop WATER SENSEThe Watersports Responsibility Code and the WatersportsSafety Code have been developed by WSIA and industry equipmentmanufacturers. These Codes are reproduced here for your reference.Watersports Responsibility CodeFamiliarize yourself with and follow The WatersportsResponsibility Code.WATERSPORTS SAFETY CODEBefore you get in the water: Skiing or riding instruction isrecommended before use. Instruction will teach general safetyguidelines and proper skiing or riding techniques, which may reduceyour risk of injury. For more information on skiing or riding schools,contact your dealer, Association, or local ski club.• Know the federal, state and local laws that apply to your area.• If you are not familiar with a waterway, ask someone who isknowledgeable to tell you about any hidden dangers or things toavoid.• Whether you plan to be in a watercraft, or skiing/riding behind oneit is important you are wearing a properly fitted life jacket (PFD)approved by your country’s agency, USCG Type III, ISO, etc.• Inspect all equipment prior to each use, check bindings, fins, tube,attachment, tow rope and flotation device. Do not use if damaged.Watercraft Safety: A knowledgeable and responsible drive is themost important safety device on any watercraft.• Never operate a watercraft, ski or ride under the influence ofalcohol or drugs.• Only use water ballast and people for additional weight.• Never exceed the passenger or weight limitations of the watercraft.• Never allow passengers to hang outside the watercraft or towed deviceor sit on the gunwales or anywhere outside of the normal seating area.• Never allow water to overflow the bow or gunwales of thewatercraft.https://www.boat-manuals.com/