VTJC
06-05-2006, 01:16 AM
After many years of work the Green Mountain Waterskiers(http://greenmountainwaterskiers.com/) were able to get the law governing observers amended. So as long as you have an approved tow boat, a mirror, a driver 18+ and are in a slalom course an observer isn’t required. This is perfect for when I cannot get an observer for my 7am sets. I am glad my SportStar is on the list of approved tow boats:
http://usawaterski.org/graphics/downloads/ApprovedHistory83-06.pdf I know many states have even less stringent laws.
BILL AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE
H.81
AN ACT RELATING TO OPERATION OF A VESSEL USED FOR TOWING PERSONS ON WATER SKIS
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
Sec. 1. 23 V.S.A. § 3315(a) is amended to read:
(a) Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not operate a vessel on any waters of this state to tow a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane, kite skis, wakeboard, kneeboard, or similar device unless the person being towed is wearing a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device and unless there is in the vessel a person who is at least 12 years old, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed. Persons engaged in barefoot waterskiing may elect at their own risk to wear a non-Coast Guard-approved barefoot wetsuit designed specifically for this activity. An observer shall not be required if the vessel is:
(1) a tow boat approved by the American Water Ski Association and equipped with a wide-angle mirror having a viewing surface of at least 48 square inches;
(2) being operated by a person who is at least 18 years of age; and
(3) being operated within an American Water Ski Association regulation slalom course.
http://usawaterski.org/graphics/downloads/ApprovedHistory83-06.pdf I know many states have even less stringent laws.
BILL AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE
H.81
AN ACT RELATING TO OPERATION OF A VESSEL USED FOR TOWING PERSONS ON WATER SKIS
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
Sec. 1. 23 V.S.A. § 3315(a) is amended to read:
(a) Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not operate a vessel on any waters of this state to tow a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane, kite skis, wakeboard, kneeboard, or similar device unless the person being towed is wearing a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device and unless there is in the vessel a person who is at least 12 years old, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed. Persons engaged in barefoot waterskiing may elect at their own risk to wear a non-Coast Guard-approved barefoot wetsuit designed specifically for this activity. An observer shall not be required if the vessel is:
(1) a tow boat approved by the American Water Ski Association and equipped with a wide-angle mirror having a viewing surface of at least 48 square inches;
(2) being operated by a person who is at least 18 years of age; and
(3) being operated within an American Water Ski Association regulation slalom course.