When should the boat's engine be started when preparing to tow a skier?

The correct response emphasizes the importance of safety when preparing to tow a skier. The boat's engine should be started after ensuring that there are no people nearby the propeller because this is a critical safety measure to prevent accidents or injuries. The propeller can pose a significant hazard, and starting the engine without assessing this risk can lead to severe consequences, such as a person getting struck by the spinning blades. This approach helps ensure that everyone involved, including the skier and any bystanders, are kept at a safe distance from the potentially dangerous equipment.

In contrast, starting the engine after the skier is in the water may put them at risk if they are not adequately positioned away from the propeller. Starting the engine only when the boat is at full speed is impractical and could create unnecessary risk during the preparation phase. Lastly, there’s no requirement that the engine can only be started during daylight hours; rather, safety precautions should always be taken regardless of the time. These considerations reinforce the need for vigilance and careful preparation when participating in water sports like skiing.