What is one of the responsibilities of the operator while towing a skier?

One of the key responsibilities of the operator while towing a skier is to maintain a safe distance from other vessels at all times. This is essential for ensuring the safety of the skier and avoiding collisions with other boats. Keeping a proper distance minimizes the risk of accidents and allows the operator to react quickly to any unexpected situations that might arise on the water. Additionally, maintaining this distance is part of responsible boating practices and helps to ensure that the activity can be enjoyed safely by everyone involved.

The other options, while they may touch on important aspects of boating and water safety, do not correctly reflect the operator's primary duty during such an activity. For example, avoiding hand signals would actually hinder communication between the skier and the operator, and it is essential to use clear signals for safety. Keeping the skier closer to the shoreline may also pose risks, as water conditions can change and certain shore areas may be hazardous. Allowing the skier to control the speed is not within the operator's responsibilities—safety and speed control should always be managed by the boat operator to ensure the skier's safety and well-being.