Requirements for Towed Water Sports in Maryland

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.

There must be a person, other than the operator, on board who is at least 12 years old, rear facing, and who continually observes the skier. 

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. 

Towlines must not be more than 75 feet in length, except for barefoot skiing when a 100-foot towline is permitted.

Towing vessels must remain at least 100 feet from the shore – except for when taking off from shore – piers, bridges, people in the water, and other vessels. 

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.