b'B O AT I N G R E G U L AT I O N Sa State that has a reciprocal agreement with Connecticut or a U.SKite-skiing and parasailing are prohibited anywhere water Coast Guard License, after October 1, 2015, will be able to obtainskiing is prohibited or subject to special regulations. Kite-skiers the required Safe Water Skiing Endorsement through an online Safeand parasailers shall not fly over or under obstructions such as Water Skiing Course. The link to the course is www.ct.gov/deep/ utility lines and bridges; nor shall they fly over dams, locks, docks, waterskiendorsement. launching ramps, swim areas, marinas or congested areas.The online Safe Water Skiing Course will provide the education portion free of charge. If a student wishes to take the examination,Self-propelled waterskis and surfboards, and remote which would result in being eligible to receive the Connecticut Safecontrol devices which tow water skiers, are prohibited in Water Skiing Endorsement, a fee may be imposed. Connecticut.The operator of the vessel and the water skier are responsibleAll waterski jumps and slalom courses require a permit. for operating in a manner which does not harm or strike anotherContact the Boating Division or visit www.ct.gov/deep/boating person or vessel. Water skiing is forbidden between 30 minutesfor information.after sunset until sunrise or when visibility is restricted to less than 100 yards. A quick summary of the water skiing and parasailing section:Boats and Personal Watercraft (PWCs) are subject to different Boaters operating a boat while engaged in towed water near-shore, slow-no-wake restrictions; except for the purpose ofsports must carry their endorsement.allowing a water skier to take off or land, boats may not exceed Boaters may not waterski or operate the towing vessel so Slow-No-Wake within 100 feet of shore and PWCs may notas to endanger persons or property.exceed Slow-No-Wake within 200 feet of shore. This means The number of persons in a towing boat plus the number that, depending on the type of vessel that is being operated, aof persons being towed may not exceed the legal capacity waterbody (or portion of waterbody) may simply be too narrow toof the boat, except by Marine Event Permit.legally waterski or go fast.Police may terminate the water skiing activity of a The operator of the boat is required to have a responsiblegiven vessel for the remainder of a given day if anyone observer at least 12 years of age facing the skier to assist theon or being towed by that vessel violates water skiing operator and monitor the progress of the water skier. The waterregulations.skier, the observer, and the boat operator should practice and use Two water skiing violation convictions in one year will hand signals for communication.mean the loss of endorsement for the remainder of that In Connecticut, water skiers are required by law to wear a U.S.year and the year that follows. Restoration is available only Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (life jacket) whileupon completion of the suspension period and passing the engaged in water skiing, except for those skiers who are engagedwater skiing class.in barefoot water skiing and are wearing a specifically designed Teak surfing and platform dragging is prohibited.barefoot wetsuit and those skiers who are engaged in trick water Violation of this section is now an infraction.skiing and are wearing standard double trick skis at least eightWing-In-Ground (WIG) Vesselsinches wide and not over 46 inches long, and being towed at notA wing-in-ground (WIG) effect vessel must be approved by the more than 20 mph using a tow rope longer than 50 feet long. ADEEP before operating recreationally and by the U.S. Coast Guard life jacket must be made readily available aboard the tow vessel forbefore operating for commercial or for research purposes.each skier electing not to wear one under the above exceptions. Ski belts and inflatable life jackets are not permitted. Marine Event PermitsThe maximum length of a towline measured from the tow postOn state waters, all marine parades, regattas, races, to the water skiers tow handle is 100 feet. No elastic componenttournaments, fireworks over water, exhibitions, or other activities may be part of the towline. Towing of a person or persons on anrequiring exclusive use of a portion of a water body, use of a inner tube without handholds is prohibited. state boat launch, or modification or suspension of any laws or Except when the vessel is engaged in towing a water skierregulations require a permit issued by the DEEP. Applications must and at least one person onboard the vessel is using it for trainingbe received by the DEEP Boating Division at least 45 days prior to purposes, the rigid metal tow pole, often used for barefoot skiing,the event.may either be removed from the boat or must be dismantled orFor details visit the DEEP website www.ct.gov/deep/boating folded and placed inside of the gunwale and parallel to the centerand select Laws / Requirements / Permits.line of the boat. NOTE: If your event is on tidal waters, contact the USCG Sector Long Island Sound Marine Events Coordinator by phone: (203) 468-4565 or Email: D01-SMB-SECLISSPWMarineEvents@uscg.mil242020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'