Water skiing and wakeboarding are popular activities in the summer months. It is hard to determine the rate of water skiing and wakeboarding injuries because we cannot know how many people participate in those activities. Regardless, injuries can and do occur.

Fortunately taking a few simple steps can help you decrease your chances of suffering a serious injury while water skiing or wake boarding.

Only water ski and wakeboard during the daytime. It can be difficult to visualize any hazards in the water in dark conditions.

Make sure there are two people in the boat. One will be the driver, and one can serve as a spotter. The driver should be able to watch where he is driving at all times without having to also watch the skier.

Always check the towline before starting to make sure it is not caught in the propeller and that it isn’t wrapped around the skier. The driver should not accelerate until the skier or wakeboarder is holding the handle and gives a signal to begin.

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Always wear an approved life jacket, and wear a safety helmet when wakeboarding.

When you fall or decide to quit, remember a few points. Skiers and wakeboarders should immediately let go of the tow rope when you fall. And make sure the propeller of the boat has stopped before you get into the boat.

Always pay attention to the conditions. If you hear thunder or see lightning, stop water skiing and wakeboarding immediately. Don’t water ski or wakeboard in restricted areas. And refrain from drinking alcohol while driving the boat, water skiing or wakeboarding. Take these steps to decrease your risk for water skiing or wakeboarding injuries.