NASBLA Public Library

This NASBLA Model Act for Safe Practices for Boat-Towed Watersports provides a standardized legislative framework intended to improve safety and operational consistency for recreational towing activities, including water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. The model act addresses emerging technologies and evolving watersports practices by establishing operator responsibilities, equipment limitations, participant safety requirements, and operational setback recommendations. Specific provisions address observer requirements, tow rope length limitations, life jacket use, impaired operation, safe towing speeds, wakesurfing operations, and restrictions related to teak surfing and platform dragging due to propeller strike and carbon monoxide exposure hazards. For Boating Law Administrators, policymakers, marine law enforcement officers, and recreational boating safety professionals, this resource offers a practical reference for developing or updating state statutes, regulations, and enforcement guidance related to towed watersports activities. The model act supports evidence-based public safety efforts while promoting safer multi-use waterway operations and consistent recreational boating standards across jurisdictions.