Use Water Skier Hand Signals For Safety

I remember as a child when we went camping at the local lakes and wide deep rivers, someone always brought along a boat and water skiing was a wonderful pass time on hot days. My father and my Aunt were very good on the water and my mother learned fast how to stay upright. I was scared of the waves and of course the water was much to rough for me to even give it a try. I had noticed different hand signals were used and thought I would share them.

Thumbs Up meant to speed up the boat.

Thumbs down meant to slow down the boat.

Cut Motor/Stop was made by making a slashing motion over the neck and meant to immediately stop the boat.

Turn was made by a circle motion of putting ones arms overhead, then pointing in the desired direction.

Return To The Dock was made by patting ones head.

OK was made by using the hand signal of fingers to form an okay, and that meant the speed or boat path was okay.

I'm OK, made by putting arms over head and interlocking hands, meaning that the skier was okay after falling.

 

Yes, it is important to stay safe by using hand signals. As the driver of the boat you don't want to do something that would make the skier uncomfortable or put them in danger.

It is good that you were taught the standard hand signals also

 

Everyone I know who does water skiing or tubing uses signals. It is VERY VERY dangerous if you don't have a way to communicate with the driver