Skiers down flags indicate that there is a skier in distress or an accident in the area. Skiers and snowboarders should stay at least 100 feet (approximately 30 meters) away from the flagged area to allow for rescue operations and to ensure safety. It's important to respect these flags and avoid the area to prevent further accidents. Always be attentive to your surroundings and follow any additional posted signs or guidelines.
In Washington State, a skier-down flag must be displayed when a skier is in the water.
"Red or orange" skier down flag
In California, the operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier must display a red flag to signal that a skier is in the water. This flag should be visible to other boaters in the area to ensure safety and awareness. The flag must be displayed whenever a skier is down and until they are safely back on the boat. Failure to do so can result in penalties and increased risk of accidents.
When operating a vessel at greater than slow no wake speed, you must stay at least 100 feet away from a displayed skier down flag. This distance is crucial to ensure the safety of individuals in the water, particularly those who may be in distress or recovering from a fall. Always be vigilant and adhere to local boating regulations regarding safety markers.
Under Washington law, when a water skier is preparing to ski or has fallen into the water, a flag must be displayed. This flag must be a bright orange or red, and it should be at least 12 by 12 inches in size. The flag indicates to other boaters that there is a skier in the water, promoting safety and awareness. The flag should be flown until the skier is safely back on the vessel or out of the water.
Red or Orange
150 feet
50 ft
100 feet
In the state of Oklahoma, when towing a water-skier behind a vessel other than a personal watercraft (PWC), you must have an observer on board in addition to the operator. This observer must be at least 12 years old and is responsible for watching the skier and communicating with the operator. Additionally, the vessel must be equipped with a ski flag to signal the presence of a skier in the water.
150 feet
150 feet