Towed water sports in New Jersey
Any person who is being towed behind a boat, in an activity such as water skiing, must wear a properly fitted USCG-approved Type I, II, III or Type V Hybrid PFD.
In addition to the operator, there must be a competent observer (wide-angle mirrors are not permitted) to observe the skier being towed.
Towlines must be between 35 and 75 feet in length.
Waterskiing, aquaplaning, or towing skiers and aquaplanes is permitted only between sunrise and sunset.
You must have room on board your boat, within the boat's maximum persons capacity, for anyone being towed behind the boat.
Operators of power vessels towing water-skiers or aquaplane riders must stay:
- At least 200 feet from any wharf, dock, pier, marina, bridge, structure, and persons in the water
- At least 100 feet from other craft, the shore, navigation aids, and moorings
The power vessel’s operator must display an orange, triangular pennant at least four feet above the highest structure on the boat when, and only when:
- Pulling or retrieving a skier
- A skier is in the water
- A tow-line is in the water
