Raritan Engineering Company your macerating pump specialists would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding properly picking up your downed water skier.

Your macerating pump experts talk about water sports offer boaters a unique experience not available to non boaters. That privilege comes with the responsibility to ensure safety for your crew and to extend courtesy to fellow boaters.

In this month’s Seamanship, we examine how these principles apply to the task of retrieving a skier, tuber or rider who has fallen.

The first thing to do is to remind the spotter to keep their eyes fixed on the person in the water. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping people stay focused. The spotter’s job is important. It can seem nonessential — until that one time a downed rider is hurt and goes under for some reason. Make your approach from downwind; this will help you control the boat at the slow speed you should be moving at as you get close. 

Turn the engine off once you reach the person in the water. Shifting into neutral and leaving the engine running is not safe. Shut it down.

Finally, be aware of how your wake is affecting others. In addition to other boaters, docks and shoreside properties, this applies to other water sports enthusiasts too. 

Instead, come down to dead slow, turn the boat 180 degrees, and proceed back down the path of your wake. Once the rider is safely aboard, resume surfing in the established direction for the body of water you are on.