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R.S.W.S.C. / PADSTOW HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS
RULES GOVERNING WATERSKIING WITHIN THE CAMEL ESTUARY

1. All boats must be registered before starting waterskiing. This may be done at :- a) The Clubhouse on the quay at Rock. b) P.H.C. Harbour Office. c) By the Beachmaster at Rock. A fee is payable in addition to the Harbour Dues.
2. All boats must display the issued sticker BEFORE SKIING. One must be fixed to each side of the boat and be clearly visible whilst under way and at rest.
3. Water skiing is only permitted in the defined area as shown on the map. Please note the prohibited beaches.
4. No boat may be driven by a person under 16 years of age whilst engaged in water skiing or towing an inflatable.
5. All boats must carry an observer in addition to the driver and skier.
6. No skiing in poor visibility, both shores must be visible.
7. All boats must take off and land in an anti clockwise direction.
8. Ski ropes must not be trailed. Ropes should be recovered immediately every time the skier falls or drops off.
9. Registration of the boat only permits the use of the water for skiing and the use of the rafts. The slalom course and Club facilities are strictly for full members use only. New members are welcome : details are available from the Club secretary's office. The registration fee is included in full membership subscription.
10. Ski rafts. Boats and skiers may only approach the rafts from the seaward ends and take off upriver the other side.
11. The slalom course and Club facilities are strictly for full members use only. The slalom course is for full members only and must be entered from the seaward end and used for a maximum of two runs each way. Please keep well clear of the course when a skier is using it and do not enter until you are sure the other skier has completed their runs.
12. Due consideration must be given to the other water users at all times. Give a wide berth to swimmers, fishing, sailing and rowing boats. Please keep clear of racing dinghies and of turning marks, which may be placed in the ski area.
13. Drivers towing inflatable's should navigate with care; keeping well clear of skiers.
14. A COPY OF THESE RULES MUST BE KEPT IN YOUR BOAT AT ALL TIMES.
©RSWSC 2006

General Water-skiing Safety Tips

Water-skiing is a great fun sport but we can sometimes forget about certain safety aspects.

This page will give you some safety ideas with regard to the boat and general water awareness.

The Boat

Make sure that you have enough fuel
Don't carry unnecessary equipment and ropes in the boat
If you are carrying extra equipment, make sure that it is stowed out of the way
Make sure that everyone is wearing a lifejacket
Carry a spare life jacket
If at sea, try to carry a couple of distress flares and 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 towel
General water awareness

A few things to keep in mind:

Other water users - sailors, swimmers, fishermen
Inform some one on land of where you are going and when you will return
Water temperature - is the water too cold to ski safely?
Make sure your skier can swim or at least float without panicking
Has the skier and everyone in the boat got a lifejacket on?
Tides
Daylight
Do not drive a powerboat or water-ski after drinking alcohol
Don't wear jewellery 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.

 

© 2009 Toby Mattos for Rock Sailing and Waterski Club