My family and I have been savoring our time out on the Big Rideau Lake this summer enjoying towed watersports. As a parent, I am precautious and protective when taking any kids or friends out for a tow. Whether it be skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, or surfing, there are regulations in place for safety purposes. Here are 5 tips to help avoid injury, damage to property, and/or a fine from the OPP:
- Ensure that you have a responsible person on board (other than the driver) who can watch the person(s) being towed. Although a specific age isn’t listed in the manuals for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, “responsible” in my mind means that the observer must be able and willing to sustain focus on those being towed, know the hand signals, and communicate promptly and clearly with the driver. It is a good idea to review the hand signals with those being towed and the spotter before beginning the sport.
- Give yourself lots of room to maneuver. Some passes are narrow and certain spots are busier than others. Be sure to know the area to avoid damaging docks and boats, and to give yourself time to respond to oncoming traffic.
- Tubes come with safety instruction and precautions with suggested speeds for towing children and adults. When you are making a turn, the speed at which the tube exits the wake is faster than what registers on your speedometer. Falling off a tube is part of the fun, and is less likely to hurt or scare the riders when it happens at a reasonable speed. Having the right equipment for each rider is important too!
- A rearview mirror for the driver is a handy tool. This allows you to keep your eyes ahead, and gives you the advantage of seeing those being towed and any boats that may be approaching from behind.
- Make sure that you call it a day from one hour after sunset until sunrise.
The Rideau system has many beautiful areas to create watersport memories with your friends and loved ones. What are your upcoming watersport plans?
