Water Ski Regulations in New Mexico

Water skiing is permitted on the waters of New Mexico. However, for the public safety, certain areas may be designated as closed to such activity and entry into these areas for the purpose of water skiing is prohibited.

Water skiing is prohibited within 150 feet of any public dock (other than a ski dock), mooring line, launching ramp, boat, fisherman, swimmer or any person not also engaged in water skiing.

It is unlawful for any person to intentionally obstruct or interfere with water skiers engaged in water-skiing.

The use of personal watercraft such as jet skis, wave runners and similar devices to tow water skiers, surfboards, tubes or similar devices is prohibited except when:

• All water skiing laws and regulations are complied with;
• The personal watercraft pulling the skier has manufacturer recommended seating for at least three people;
• There is a vacant seat on the pulling vessel for the skier; and
• The personal watercraft has an observer on board in addition to the operator.

All skiers must wear ski belts or jackets. Water skiing is prohibited from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise.
An international fluorescent orange or a red warning flag must be raised by a person in the towing vessel whenever a person on water skies or other water device has fallen, dropped off or is starting, to warn other vessels away from the area. The flag shall be a minimum of 12 inches by 12 inches and displayed high enough to be visible 360 degrees around the vessel without obstruction.