What is the requirement for life preservers on persons being towed behind a vessel?

The requirement for individuals being towed behind a vessel is that they must wear an effective life preserver. This regulation is in place to ensure their safety while participating in activities such as waterskiing or tubing. An effective life preserver, typically a type of personal flotation device (PFD), is designed to keep a person afloat in the water and significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of an accident or fall into the water.

Wearing a life preserver is vital because being towed behind a vessel involves risks such as falling into the water at high speeds, which can lead to panic or disorientation. An appropriate life preserver helps to prevent drowning and provides buoyancy, making it easier for the person to stay afloat until help arrives or they are able to swim back to safety.

The other choices do not meet the necessary safety standards for individuals being towed. For example, stating that only a buoyant vest is required restricts the options for life-saving devices, while suggesting that wearing a life preserver is optional contradicts the fundamental regulations designed to protect individuals in these scenarios. Additionally, placing the responsibility of providing a flotation device on the skier could lead to circumstances where safety equipment is inadequate or unavailable, further increasing risk during towing