H2X
®
1.9
SeCtion 1 • SaFety
R
Speed changes you.
TM.
14. WaTer sporTs
a. sWiMMinG
• Do not permit anyone to swim from a moving boat,
or a boat with an engine running.
• Many localities prohibit swimming from boats except
in designated areas.
• Make sure boat's engine is turned off and the stern
drive is fully down before allowing people to swim
anywhere near your boat. Shut the engine OFF
and remove the key from the ignition switch so
that nobody will accidentally start the engine while
swimmers are nearby.
• Turn off engine when taking swimmers or skiers
aboard or when they are entering the water. Never
permit use of the transom swim platform while engine
is running.
• Slow down and look for swimmers or skiers when
cruising in an area where there might be persons in
the water.
b. skiinG
• Anyone who water skis must know how to swim.
• Never drive the boat directly behind a water skier.
At 22 knots (25 m.p.h.), it takes only 5 seconds to
overtake a fallen skier who was 60 meters (200 feet)
in front.
• Keep a downed skier in sight and on the operator's
side of the boat when approaching the skier. Never
back up to anyone in the water.
• Learn the signals to communicate with a skier. The
skier is to control the boat through hand signals.
(See Figure 1.9.1)
Turn - Arm raised, circle with index nger extended.
Skier in Water - Extend one ski vertically out of water.
Back to Dock - Pat top of head.
Cut Motor - Draw nger across throat.
Slow Down - Thumb pointed down or palm down, move
hand up and down.
SKIING SIGNALS (FIG. 1.9.1)
Shut engine off if an object is struck or if you run
aground.
Check for hull leaks and drive line damage, before
restarting engine.
Use hand pump if bilge pumps don't remove water.
Boat very slowly, if you must proceed with a damaged
drive line.
! WARNING
Skiers must wear an approved PFD.
! WARNING
Your boat's propeller can kill or injure persons in
the water.
Always stay away from areas designated for
swimming or diving. Unless you are towing a skier,
stay away from water ski areas. Recognize markers
used for such areas.
When engine is running, close and lock transom
door and do not permit anyone to use boarding
ladder and swim platform.
DANGER
!