Water sports are a lot of fun, but it’s also important to be responsible, especially when towing a tube behind a boat. Understanding how to tow the tube safely will not only ensure that everyone riding on it is safe and not in danger even at higher speeds but also that people have a great time on the water. Following these easy steps will make anyone a pro at towing a tube the next time that he or she is on the water. So go buy a towable tube for your pontoon boat, and we'll fill you in on the rest!
Prepare Ahead of Time
Every rider on a boat or on a tube needs to be prepared with the essentials to reduce the risk of damage or injury. The most important thing for a person to have is a life jacket. No matter how great a swimmer someone is, wearing a life jacket is important and will keep people safe.
A durable towrope is also important. While it can be tempting to use a regular rope for towing a tube, it’s important to use a rope designed for this purpose. The rope needs to be able to stand up to the tension and moving back and forth without the risk of breaking.
Avoid Unsafe Actions
The boat driver should always wait until the rider is completely ready as this can help prevent an accident. Verbal cues or gestures will help people communicate. The rider must be secure on the tube and in a life jacket before starting the engine.
It’s also important that drivers avoid accelerating quickly as this can catch riders off balance and cause them to flip into the water. Fast acceleration can also cause the towrope to come loose or can damage the tube. Only pulling one tube at a time will reduce the chance of collision and injuries.
Keep an Eye on Obstacles
The driver needs to always keep an eye on obstacles that may be around him or her so that he or she can avoid them with both the boat and the tube. It can be very easy to avoid obstacles with the boat but understanding how the tube moves and responds plays a huge role in avoiding other boats, tubes, or even docks.
Know When to Turn Off the Engine
While nobody wants the fun to end, if someone is in the water near the boat, then the engine needs to be turned off. While this means keeping an eye out for swimmers and snorkelers, it also means stopping the engine if someone falls off of the tube.
It can be very difficult to see a person in the water, even when he or she has just fallen off of the tube, so stopping the engine right away is the best way to ensure that everyone will be safe.
Have a Spotter
It is almost impossible to control the boat and to keep an eye on the riders on the tube, which is why having a spotter on the boat is such a good idea. The spotter’s job is to stay turned around and to keep an eye on the riders to make sure that they are safe.
This allows someone to keep an eye out for obstacles and also ensures that the riders are safe.
Always Check the Tow Line
The tow line can make or break tubing behind a boat, which is why it’s so important to pay attention to it and to make sure to opt for a high-quality option. Not only does the tow line need to be durable, but it’s important to check its condition.
If the tow line is knotted, tangled, frayed, or torn, then it is not safe to use. Always untie any knots from the tow line and never use one that is showing any signs of fraying as it can easily break on the water without any warning.
By keeping these things in mind and following the “do”s and “don’t”s, anyone can take steps to ensure that he or she is safe when on the water. Towing a tube behind a boat involves a lot more than simply attaching the tube and taking off, which is why preparation and planning ahead is key. Starting off slowly and gradually increasing speed, being careful when turning the boat, and making sure to prioritize safety will ensure a good time on the water.
Last Updated on August 27, 2020 by Pete