This page will give you some safety ideas to do with the boat, first aid, equipment and general water awareness.  I am not suggesting tat you carry all the equipment all the time, it's just a few things to consider.

First of all lets look at the boat:

• Make sure that you have enough fuel (especially if you're on the sea)
• Don't carry unnecessary equipment and ropes in the boat
• If you are carrying extra equipment make sure that it stored out of the way
• Make sure that everyone has a life jacket
• Carry a spare life jacket
• If at sea try to carry a couple of distress flare and always carry a VHF radio
• Carry a paddle in case you run out of fuel
• Carry a basic first aid kit in the boat
• Where possible, carrying a mobile phone is also a good idea
• Carry some dry clothes and a spare towel - especially in winter or if skiing on the sea
• Where possible carry a floating stretcher

First Aid:

You should always be a trained first aider around when you are waterskiing.  All qualified waterskiing instructors should have a first aid qualification.  Don't carry too much.  Most of the first aid equipment tat you need can be found in a basic first aid box.  One item that are not usually found in a standard first aid kit that you could consider carrying is a set of inflatable splints.   Where there is a bad break and you do not want to move the casualty, these are a good way to support the injured limb.

The first thing to remember is to turn off the engine before you start to attend to any injuries.

If you suspect that your skier has a neck injury do not try to move them into the boat.  Use a spare life jacket or a floating stretcher to support the casualty.  If your boat has a back platform, move the casualty to the platform where possible.  If this is not possible support the casualty in the water.   If you suspect a neck injury or any other serious injury call for help immediately.   If at sea use the VHF radio and report you position and problem to the coast guard and/or local harbor master.  The same goes for large lakes.  if you are not near to land, use a mobile phone.  even if you can get the casualty into the boat, call for help straight away, and tell them where you are heading with the casualty.   Do not wait till you are back on dry land to call for help if the injury is serious.

If you have no way of calling for help, you may have to get the casualty back to dry land.  If you have no choice and need to move a casualty with a neck injury back to dry and, do so very slowly.  support the casualty as much as possible - this is why you should always have a look out in the boat.  one person can support the casualty while the other one drives.  Move the boat at tickover - as slow as it will possibly go.

General water awareness

A few things to keep in mind:

• Water temperature - is the water too cold to ski? - Especially on large lakes and on the sea
• Make sure your skier can swim or at least float without panicking
• Has the skier and everyone in the boat got life jackets on?
• Tides
• Daylight
• Don't wear jewelry when skiing - take off rings and necklaces

Most things are common sense, but we do take things for granted sometimes.  Don't worry,  serious injuries are rare, but it's worth being prepared if an accident does happen.

Ski Safe, Ski Happy!!!