Towed Water Sports - New York State

Anyone being towed behind a boat or PWC, in an activity such as waterskiing, must wear a properly fitted PFD that is USCG-approved for the activity. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted.

There must be a person, other than the operator, on board who is at least 10 years old and who continually observes the person being towed.

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 put the life, limb or property of another person in danger.