Towed Water Sports in Nevada
Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, surfboard or other device must have onboard, in addition to the operator, an observer who is:
- At least 14 years of age; or
- At least 12 years of age and have another passenger who is at least 18 years of age.
Anyone being towed behind a boat or PWC, in an activity such as waterskiing, must wear a properly fitted Type I, II or III USCG-approved PFD.
The towing vessel must have a capacity rating at least equal to the number of people operating, observing, and being towed.
Towing people on water skis or similar devices is only permitted from sunrise to sunset.
It is illegal to operate the towing vessel in such as manner as to cause the skier to collide with any other person or object. Similarly, anyone being towed must not manipulate the device so as to endanger the life, limb or property of another person.
It is also illegal to practice teak surfing in Nevada. Aside from the obvious danger or propeller injury, the surfer is also in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Skier Down Flag
Nevada law states that vessels towing a person(s) on water skis or other similar devices must carry and use an international orange “skier down” flag at least 12” x 12” whenever the towed person(s) is preparing to be towed or awaiting pick-up by the towing vessel.
