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Water Safety
In an effort to
reduce accidents and injuries on Lake McQueeney, FOLM has
developed a safety guide. It is being distributed in printed
form at several locations around the Lake. Check at the Ski
Lodge, real estate offices, marina, or contact us for a copy.
Below is important information on pulling inflatables, which
have lately been associated with several serious accidents on
the lake.
Our Water Safety Guide can now be download as
a PDF file: Click Here (this is a large file,
broadband connection
recommended).
Pulling tubers may seem easier than pulling
skiers, but there are safety considerations unique to tubing
that must be considered. First, due to a tuber’s lack of
control, the boat driver is completely responsible for the
safety of the tubers. The biggest hazard on Lake
McQueeney is that most areas are too narrow to make U-turns
and large zig-zags. A tube speed can double when swung
around, sliding way to the side toward nearby bulkheads and
piers.
- Know the Capabilities and Limitations of
your Tube and Riders
Before you
start to tow anyone in an inflatable, be sure to read the
warning indicators on the tube, and follow the manufacturer’s
limits and specifications regarding the number of riders,
maximum size/weight, and top towing speed. Tubers should also
know how to position themselves and hold on correctly for a
safe ride. Both the driver of the boat and the tube riders
should be aware of the rules and conditions on the particular
body of water on which they are tubing. Remember, your tube
riders may have differing levels of skill, physical strength
and swimming ability. Always keep this mind, and make any
necessary speed or driving adjustments accordingly.
-Make Sure
the Boat Driver is Informed, Responsible and
Alert
Make
sure you have a solid understanding of safe boating rules and
regulations. Each boat should also have a designated “spotter”
onboard to alert the driver if anyone falls off the tube and
keep track of that person’s location. The driver of the boat
should keep a constant vigil for oncoming boats and any fixed
obstacles or floating debris on either side of the boat that
could present a hazard. Try to stay at least 50 yards from
other boats and potential hazards such as docks, buoys,
pilings, rocks and shorelines. Although driving in a zig-zag
pattern helps maximize the fun by allowing a tubers to cross
over the wake of your boat, only do so when no other boats are
approaching and space allows.
-While Towing Tubes, Always Be Aware of
Your Boat Speed.
Tubes should
NOT usually be pulled as fast as skiers. A safe towing
speed will depend upon several variables, including: the age,
size, weight and physical ability of the riders; and overall
water conditions. If you are towing young children, (most
tubes are not designed for use by children under six (6) years
of age), maintaining a slower speed becomes all the more
important. As a general guideline, keep your speed under 10
mph when towing those 12 years of age and younger; under 20
mph for younger teenagers (13 to 16); and under 25 mph for
older teens and adults. Keep the nose of the tube up until the
tube is “on plane.” Also avoid sharp turns that could cause
the tube to flip over and cause possible injury to the riders.
It is also important to slow your speed when driving over boat
wakes to avoid back injury, especially if the rider is lying
in a stomach-down position on the tube. If riding a sitting
position, as speed increases, so does the chance of the tubers
knees bouncing into their head. Kids will always say “faster,
faster”, but it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain a
safe speed.
-When Pulling Two Tubes or Mutiple Riders,
Take Extra Caution.
Entanglements
and tubes crashing into each other can cause serious injuries.
Pulling three or more tubes is just plain stupid. Multiple
riders on a single tube require a few extra safety
precautions. Making sure that the weight in the tube is
distributed and balanced properly becomes even more important
when it comes to safety and performance. Multiple riders in a
tube also means additional arms, legs and hands, making it
more challenging to ensure that tubers are not entangled with
the tow rope. Riders in multi-person tubes should remember to
communicate with each other at all times out on the water.
Working together to reposition and shift weight while underway
is especially important when making turns or crossing over
wakes. Never load a tube with more riders than
intended.
-Never Tube Without A Life
Vest.
-A Secure
Connection
Don’t overlook the important
connection between the tube and your boat – your tow rope.
Before getting out on the water, check the tow rope carefully
(as well as the connectors and tow tongues on the tube) for
wear, cuts or fraying. Replace the rope at the first sign of
damage. Also make sure the rope you are using is made
specifically for towing inflatable tow tubes. Before you start
towing any tubers, check to see that the tow rope isn’t
wrapped around anyone’s hands, arms, legs, or any other body
parts. Care should also be taken to prevent the tow rope from
becoming entangled with the boat’s propeller. In the event
this does occur, turn off the engine immediately and take the
key out of the ignition before trying to remove the rope from
the prop.
-Use Common
Sense
Tubing can be fun and exciting for kids
and adults alike, but safety should always be the primary
concern. Don’t attempt to do any “extreme” tricks or stunts
out there that require dangerous activity or improper use of
your tube. Also, never operate or use a tube while under the
influence of alcohol. You’ll need to be able to act quickly
and decisively if anything unexpected occurs. Follow the
rules, use common sense, and you’ll have a great tubing
experience without any mishaps or
injuries.
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