What must be displayed whenever a towed person is in the water?

Whenever a towed person, such as a water skier or wakeboarder, is in the water, it is important to display a skier-down flag. This flag signals to other boat operators that there is an individual in the water, allowing them to take necessary precautions to avoid any accidents. The skier-down flag typically features a bright color, often bright orange or red, and is easily visible from a distance, making it effective for alerting other boaters.

The presence of this flag is a safety measure designed to protect both the person being towed and the surrounding boaters, ensuring that everyone remains aware of the situation and can navigate safely. It is a critical component of good boating practices when engaging in activities that involve towing individuals behind a boat.

While a bright colored life vest is very important for safety, its primary purpose is to provide flotation and visibility for the person in the water rather than to signal other boaters. A tow rope is essential for the activity itself but does not serve as a safety alert. A reflective sign does not have the same function as a skier-down flag and is not typically used in this context.