What safety measure is required when towing a skier?

When towing a skier, having an observer on board to watch the skier is a crucial safety measure. This person’s role is to keep an eye on the skier’s movements and relay important information back to the boat operator. The observer can effectively communicate any changes in the skier’s situation, such as falls or the need for assistance, ensuring that the operator can respond quickly and safely. This added level of vigilance minimizes the risk of accidents and enhances overall safety during the activity.

Other measures, such as ensuring the skier wears a life vest, while very important and often mandated by safety regulations, do not negate the need for an observer. The requirement for a GPS, although useful for navigation, is not directly related to the immediate safety of the skier during tow operations. Lastly, the need for the boat to be at full speed can be context-dependent and does not inherently improve safety in the same way that having an observer does, as speed can affect control and safety differently based on the situation.