How To Water Ski Safely
Keywords: water skiing, sports safety, accident prevention, personal safety, boating, summer safety
Kathy was sure she was ready for this. True, she hadn’t been on water skis for 15 years, but she had skied a lot as a girl.
Water skiing, she reasoned, was no different than riding a bicycle. It all comes back to you once you climb on. So, even though Josh didn’t want to drive the boat faster, Kathy insisted he crank it up. Faster! Faster!
Ahh! The exhilaration of the wind in her face and the water at her feet. Ouch! The pain of losing control and flying head over heels, landing on her back, and having to be pulled from the water with a seriously sprained shoulder.
According to the National Safety Council, about 5 million Americans water ski each year, and approximately 6,500 require emergency room treatment. Most of these injuries are the result of carelessness and poor preparation.
Driver Prepare
* Learn and obey the “rules of the road” on water.
* It takes three to water ski:
-the skier,
-the tow boat operator,
-an observer in the boat. The driver cannot watch and know if the skier has fallen while also seeing where the boat is going.
* Operate in a corridor at least 200 feet wide, giving a safety area of 100 feet on both sides of the boat. The ski path should be at least 2,000 to 3,000 feet in length.
* The boat driver is responsible for keeping the skier away from dangerous areas. Take time to get familiar with the shoreline, shallow areas and obstructions. Keep the boat a safe distance from the shore, docks, and objects in the water.
* Be alert for boats entering the ski area. If one does, shut down the engine and wait for the area to clear.
* Always pull novice skiers slowly. High speeds are not essential to pleasurable water skiing.
* Always approach a skier in the water on the driver’s side of the boat.
* Picking a skier from the water is a dangerous proposition. Your boat engine must be turned off and the propeller must be fully stopped.
* The boat should run parallel to the shore and come in slowly when landing.
* When your skier is down, raise a ski flag to alert other boaters.
* Equip your boat with a wide-angle rear-view mirror.
* A towing pylon, boarding ladder and speedometer are also advisable.
Skier Beware
* Know how to swim!
* Do not ski in unfamiliar waters where there could be unseen dangers. When skiing in new waters, take along someone familiar with the area.
* Never ski in shallow water, at night, or in front of another boat. Rough water is particularly dangerous since waves and a running sea will prevent the tow boat from keeping a smooth speed and course.
* Always wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. Lifejackets are required in most states. The lifejacket should be Type III, approved by the Coast Guard, and designed as a ski vest. It should fit snugly, and it must keep the skier face up in the water if he or she falls.
* The skier and the boat driver should agree in advance on the general boat path, and signals to use.
* If a skier falls, he or she should clasp both hands overhead to be seen and to signal they are OK. In a congested boating area, a downed skier should hold up a ski to show that everything is okay.
* Buy age-appropriate skis. Make sure the bindings are snug, but will release in case of a fall.
* Wear a helmet to protect against head injury.
* Some of this information came from the website of U.S.A. Water Ski.
Other Water Hazards
* Don’t stay on the water too long. The sun, wind, waves and vibration can make you tired.
* Whether you are pulling or being pulled, do not drink alcohol, take prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, or use illegal drugs that can impair your judgment.
* Use and renew sunscreen.
* Some special advice for those who like to water-tube:
-Stay well away from shore. Most injuries occur when water tubers come too close to shore.
-Before water-tubing, inspect the rope for fraying and the tube for defects.
-Wear a Type III lifejacket.
-Two people should be in the boat.
John Myre is the author of the award-winning book, Live Safely in a Dangerous World, www.safetytimes.com, and the publisher of the Safety Times Reproducible Articles, www.safetytimes.com.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Find Quality Wedding Gifts On A Budget (1)
You can also buy magazine subscriptions, many couples never think about giving the magazines but many say that would be an excellent gift. By going to the registry the couple has listed at stores you can find the gifts they really need.
Want To Be A Great Soccer Player? Practice Makes Perfect (2)
Have goals that have to be attained, once you attain them set them higher. It is best to have a friend or someone who shares your zeal for the sport to practice with you, especially when you are trying to improve your kicking technique.
Foods That Can Trigger Migraines (3)
On the other hand, should you find that migraine situation improves over the course of this restricted diet, then simply add foods back your daily routine one at a time.
How To Enjoy Delicious Quality Gourmet Coffee At Home (4)
Keywords: gourmet coffee, coffee Coffee is a favorite beverage around the world. Morning, noon, or night a fresh cup of coffee is satisfying. In recent years we have been introduced to a wide array of coffees include gourmet.
Make Your Chocolate Habit More Healthy With Chocolate Covered Strawberries (5)
Not only will this allow you to have the freshest and most delicious treats possible, but you will also save a good deal of money in the long run. I hope that you are beginning to see the value of this alternative semi healthy snack and are thinking of getting some for yourself or to spoil a special someone.
Some Ideas For Choosing The Perfect Watch For The Man On Your Gift List (6)
For the student graduating from high school or college, a watch is a great gift to welcome them into their new career. With so many options available today for watches it is easy to find the perfect watch for your man.
The Nature Of Woods (7)
Therefore walnut furniture must be bought with caution and from trusted sources. Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for www.kitchen-plans-n-designs.com. His articles have also appeared on www.collectablesguide.info and www.collectablestips.info
Luxury Villa Rentals A Great Alternative Over Large Resorts (8)
Luxury villa rentals in Thailand range from one bedroom deluxe villas to elegant two and three bedrooms. These spacious accommodations are mostly inclusive of almost all superb facilities such as bedroom with multiple bedding options, telephone, television, and digital alarm or clock; living room with queen-size sofa; kitchen replete with first class appliances, oven, dishwasher, and coffeemaker; and bathroom consisting of marble clad baths with shower, double sinks, make-up as well as shaving mirror, and hair dryers.
Hamilton Reaches Lucky 7 Podium Finishes (9)
The boy with the impish grin is still grinning as he poses for publicity shots at various pre-Formula One racing venues in which he has raced, including 2005's F3 Euro series, which he finished with 15 victories and 13 pole positions.
If You Like Wine, Consider Joining A Wine Club (10)
There are any number of reasons. Perhaps it is because they get special pricing available only to members of a wine club, perhaps they want to take advantage of the variety available every month, and some form because of the social interaction and sharing their favorites with their friends.
Some Places To Indulge Your Chocolate Craving (11)
It's sponsored by the Hershey's Chocolate and Confectionery Corporation, which operates a manufacturing plant in Oakdale, California. The festival is always held on the 3rd weekend in May. There's a lot to do, with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, a car show, tennis tournament, a fun run, and kid's activities.
Popularity Of The Whistler Ski Resort (12)
Considered to be one of the top ski resorts in the World, Whistler's growth in the last 10 years has been astonishing. Whistler has a philosophy that there is 'something for everyone' from skiing and snowboarding in the Winter to mountain biking and golfing in the summer, as well as other recreational activities such as shopping, dining, culture and arts.
How To Choose A Great Baseball Bat (13)
Speaking of today's bats, some even have nitrogen or helium inside. A bat enhanced with these gasses allows more of a "trampoline effect", meaning the ball literally bounces off the bat at impact.
Some Great Ideas On How To Save Money On Flowers For Your Wedding (14)
After the wedding the silk flowers can be given away or put in flower arrangements to decorate your home. Another way to save on flowers is to use what flowers are in season but then you may need to be a bit more flexible on your decorations.
How To Properly Fix A Flat Tire (15)
You will be stranded for a long time. That is something we want to avoid. So here's a checklist of what to have with you at all times in your car: 1) spare tire - this may sound mundane, but many people out their are driving on their spare and take a big risk.
Cycling In Whistler Is A Favourite Summer Attraction (16)
Luxury properties for rent in Whistler offer incredible value in the Spring and Summer with a luxurious condo complete with all amenities costing as little as $25 CAD per person per night based on 10 sharing.
Believe It Or Not, Your Briefcase Can Make A Fashion Statement About You (17)
Does it give the message that you are confident or intelligent? What message do you want it to send? For probably the same reason a pro football team does not wear pink flowered uniforms you may want to be sure what message your briefcase is sending.
Things To Look For In A Dive Watch (18)
True dive watches however, contain a great deal more features and benefits which the avid diver will want in a dive watch. Functions such as water temperature, depth readings, dive times, and gauges that time the breathing mixture in one's tank can make the difference in life or death.
If You Are Looking For A New Boat You Need To Consider Sea Ray (19)
Sea Ray boats has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for Express Cruisers three times in a row. Not only have they won the latter they have also won the NMMA Award for highest satisfaction of a sport boat.
Why Antique Coffee Pots Are So Appealing And Desirable (20)
There are whole magazines devoted to kitchens with gleaming stainless steel appliances and all of the conveniences they offer. However, there are those who prefer to have a vintage look to their kitchens, collecting appliances from a long past era to adorn it with.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
What Are Golf Balls Made Of That Make Them Go So Far? (1)
With the application of drag, the ball slows down. Hence, by having dimples on golf balls, the pressure differential goes down and the drag force is reduced. These dimples create turbulence in the air surrounding the golf ball.
Tracking Using The Moon And The Sun (2)
About half the face is visible (i.e, about 6/12). Therefore: eight plus six hours equals 2 o'clock. Align the figure 2, the middle of the watch, and the moon.
How To Make The Decision Between A Crib And A Bassinette (3)
This keeps a baby from being able to fall over the edge of the crib rail. Often cribs can convert to toddler beds. Other parents opt to have their infant sleep in the same bed.
Some Tips To Help You Win At Tennis (4)
Instead, keep your focus on the aim of the ball. Use the angle of the ball to draw your Power Baseline adoring opponent out of his or her zone.
How To Find Quality Irish Gifts To Give A Touch Of Ireland (5)
Most importantly, the fashion forward relative may enjoy designer wear from Irish clothing experts. There are numerous clothing lines to consider that have been created by the likes of Louise Kennedy, John Rocha, and Jen Kelly.
Tips To Paint The Tepee (6)
On the other hand, it's the arrangement of the wings and tail which gives the albatross its dash of caricature. As you also need some activities to fill your camping holiday, you can also start to paint your tent.
Why You Should Consider Space Models As Gifts For Your Kids (7)
These kits will offer you hours of fun and one on one time with your child. Cost of Model Space Toys The cost of space models is going to range quiet broadly depending on where you purchase them from.
This Winter You Should Consider A Vermont Ski Vacation (8)
There are also discounts for families. If they choose to go in the middle of the week there are special deals for the family. There are also discounts if you go in January.
Low Fat Recipes: A Well Balanced Meal (9)
Cook both loaves at about 320 degree for about 1 hour in the oven. Depending of the oven you have , it will take more time if you put both inside the same oven.
How To Choose The Proper Cycling Shoes For You (10)
Figure out what your budget is, envision the sort of riding you intend to do, and do some research. Ask the pros at the local bike shop and look online for reviews and information.
The Fundamentals Of Bowling (11)
Unless the bowler has mastered the fundamentals, he will never achieve top rank as a pinman. Mastery of the fundamentals requires knowing what they are, a desire to make them a natural part of your bowling form, and a willingness to practice until your approach to the foul line is a well- coordinated glide, and your delivery of the ball is a grooved swing with a smooth follow-through.
How To Properly Plan And Host A Bridal Shower Tea Party (12)
Snacks for the afternoon tea party should be fluffy and tasty biscuits, sandwiches, sweets, teacakes, salads and cookies with very light desserts. Add the personal touch with the bride's name on the special cake and decor.
How To Choose A Travel Agent You Won?t Regret (13)
The reason this is important is that allows the travel agents the ability to network with other members of the group such as cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and many other travel related companies.
Things Game Download Sites Does To Make Itself User Friendly (14)
The same is true about game download sites and more so, because these sites are visited by people who are quite eager to get some gaming entertainment. If the site is not easy to use, they are certainly going to close the window and visit someplace else.
Why A Good Lock For Your Bicycle Is Important And How To Choose One (15)
Good locks come with assurances that if used correctly, and your bike is stolen, the manufacturer will reimburse you for the cost of your bike. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida.
Why Aren't You Using A Hammock When Camping? (16)
Once you find your most comfortable position in a hammock, chances are you will assume this post until you wake up and feel more refreshed, as opposed to sleeping on the ground.
Gourmet Cooking Supplies For Your Use (17)
Or, you can purchase professional quality products and use them in your home. The goal is to choose supplies that you need and that you can easily use. Look for the highest quality which means that the supplies should be high end, long lasting, easy to use and definitely worth the investment.
Looking For Lesser Creatures (18)
Crested Newt The male has a crest in the spring, the female never does. Dark gray. Belly yellowish-red with black spots. Grainy skin. Up to 7 inches long.
How To Shave Points Off Your Golf Score With The Right Golf Shoes (19)
A good option can be to go to a store that has golf shoes and try some on and see if you can find that type on the Internet. Even though discount golf shoes can be had on the Internet you don't want to be looking over a birdie putt worrying about your blisters.
Golf Ball Reviews - For Golfers With Good Views (20)
They are made of a soft Urethane, are durable and great for distance. You will be able to choose if you are looking for spin or feel golf balls.