Orange SKI flags

[BamBam]

So some friends and I were talking last night and Big Andrew brought up a good point. It seems to be a grip with all of us about the use of orange "Ski" flags for purposes other than a skier down. I was curious as to the exact rules for Cali and AZ so I looked them up this morning. Apparently the flags are to be used to indicate a skier, ski, rope or equipment is down in the immediate area of your vessel. There is no regulation about the distance other vessels must stay away from a boat displaying an orange flag other than use caution and be aware for people and objects in the water.

https://www.boat-ed.com/california/studyGuide/Skier-Down-Flag/10100502_700146821/

https://www.boat-ed.com/arizona/handbook/page/48/Chapter-8-Specifically-for-Skiing/

http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/pages/28702/files/pubs_towingsports.pdf

So, If you're simply floating down the river and everyone is on the boat you don't need your flag up. Also you should get cited for driving with your flag up. All that seems to do is diminish the effectiveness of the flags (i.e. If everyone is flying a flag then are they really working, or are they being ignored?).

We all have to share the river and operate safely.

Put your flag down unless you have people or equipment in the water.

 

[renodaytona]

This was literally a topic of discussion on the RDP Mid Summer Night Topock run. RD made it clear that the orange flag was in fact for a rope/equipment in the water and not for swimmers.

 

[Boschma]

We use a flag here in Texas and people look at us like we are crazy. Never see anyone else using them out here.

 

[Mr. C]

This was literally a topic of discussion on the RDP Mid Summer Night Topock run. RD made it clear that the orange flag was in fact for a rope/equipment in the water and not for swimmers.

Glad RD made it clear. LOL

If i have a person in the water next to my boat. I don't care if they are a downed skier, getting ready to ski or diving in the water float for a few and cool off. My flag is up.

 

[2Driver]

This was literally a topic of discussion on the RDP Mid Summer Night Topock run. RD made it clear that the orange flag was in fact for a rope/equipment in the water and not for swimmers.

It has nothing to do with rope in the water. This has been beat to death and clarified by boatcop before. It is about the person being towed who is now down in the water.

Not swimmers
Not rope
Not a boat floating from the dam

Skier, tuber, wake boarder etc, down in the water.

The problem is that so many boaters fly the flag for the wrong reason, some permanently, that the average boater has stopped scanning the water for a skier down and just look at the boat with the flag.

 

[4Waters]

Glad RD made it clear. LOL

If i have a person in the water next to my boat. I don't care if they are a downed skier, getting ready to ski or diving in the water float for a few and cool off. My flag is up.

Me too anytime someone is in the water but I don't drive with it up unless I am returning to a downed skier like most of us

 

[termiteguy]

I was anchored out in front of blue water and had swimmers in the water police boat stoped and told me to put my flag up

 

[Icky]

I've heard "stories" of the police in Parker telling people they need to have their flag up for swimmers in the water.

 

[fishing fool]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

 

[Icky]

I was anchored out in front of blue water and had swimmers in the water police boat stoped and told me to put my flag up

And there's one more

 

[boatnam2]

So some friends and I were talking last night and Big Andrew brought up a good point. It seems to be a grip with all of us about the use of orange "Ski" flags for purposes other than a skier down. I was curious as to the exact rules for Cali and AZ so I looked them up this morning. Apparently the flags are to be used to indicate a skier, ski, rope or equipment is down in the immediate area of your vessel. There is no regulation about the distance other vessels must stay away from a boat displaying an orange flag other than use caution and be aware for people and objects in the water.

https://www.boat-ed.com/california/studyGuide/Skier-Down-Flag/10100502_700146821/

https://www.boat-ed.com/arizona/handbook/page/48/Chapter-8-Specifically-for-Skiing/

http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/pages/28702/files/pubs_towingsports.pdf

So, If you're simply floating down the river and everyone is on the boat you don't need your flag up. Also you should get cited for driving with your flag up. All that seems to do is diminish the effectiveness of the flags (i.e. If everyone is flying a flag then are they really working, or are they being ignored?).

We all have to share the river and operate safely.

Put your flag down unless you have people or equipment in the water.

So many people don't get it, we get a few times a summer people yelling at us to put up a flag while swimming behind boat, I just shake my head....Nothing worse then someone with a flag up with no skier, first thing i do is come off plane to look for skier in water if i dont immediately see someone, then i drive by boat to see people to swimming with flag up, this can stack up the traffic on a narrow part of the river and create a way sketchier situation then someone swimming.

 

[Mr. C]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

I try to raise my hand only after I actually see their person or equipment in the water(sometimes out of habit though, my hand just goes up). It seems useless to raise your hand to just acknowledge you see their flag.

 

[buck35]

I ran into this situation a bout a month ago, while heading up the river I live on . A guy is floating in the middle with a tube at the back of his boat and a flag up. I can see them for a bot as I'm coming so I head over as near to shore as comfortable with and go another couple miles and shut down and float . Dood drives up a half hour or so later starts lecture me about going by when his flag was up. I'll add, I was a couple hundred feet away from him, when I went by and there was no activity on or around his boat. I just let him say his piece then they left. I was like wtf?:rolleyes

 

[2Driver]

One of the most dangerous things I see people don't consider:

When boaters are towning several people on a tube (or what I saw last weekend) 4 people on 2 tubes, what is the plan if they go off the tube at much different times and 3+ people are now dispersed 100 yards apart in traffic.

I guess you pick up your favortie kid first then work down the list?

 

[BHC Vic]

All I know is the flag is down until the skier goes down. Rope is in the water the whole time. Leads me to believe it's more the person than equipment. That's just my thinking though

 

[buck35]

One of the most dangerous things I see people don't consider:

When boaters are towning several people on a tube (or what I saw last weekend) 4 people on 2 tubes, what is the plan if they go off the tube at much different times and 3+ people are now dispersed 100 yards apart in traffic.

I guess you pick up your favortie kid first then work down the list?

Thats bad spotting, but a good point.

 

[Mr. C]

:skull:thumbsup

If I lose one (even if it's not my favorite ), off throttle, flag up, get that one and then back at trying to throw them off the tube again.

 

[FreeBird236]

If you don't put your flag down until the skier is in the boat, weren't they just a swimmer for the last few minutes.:rolleyes

 

[Long Way Home]

Glad RD made it clear. LOL

If i have a person in the water next to my boat. I don't care if they are a downed skier, getting ready to ski or diving in the water float for a few and cool off. My flag is up.

Same here, people in the water flag is up

 

[2Driver]

:skull:thumbsup


If I lose one (even if it's not my favorite ), off throttle, flag up, get that one and then back at trying to throw them off the tube again.

Parental revenge therapy :thumbsup

 

[Joker]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

My wife does that at all times and she gets bent out of shape when the people with the flag don't acknowledge that we see them.

 

[Dirtbag]

if i have swimmers in the water flag is up. If i see a flag up i always assume swimmers in water and stay as far away as possible. What i truly dont understand is why people decide to tube ski wakeboard jump in the water in the big parts of the lake where traffic is everywhere....seems absolutely ridiculous to me. Why not find a nearby cove? I just dont get it.

 

[bowtiejunkie]

It has nothing to do with rope in the water. This has been beat to death and clarified by boatcop before. It is about the person being towed who is now down in the water.

Not swimmers
Not rope
Not a boat floating from the dam

Skier, tuber, wake boarder etc, down in the water.

The problem is that so many boaters fly the flag for the wrong reason, some permanently, that the average boater has stopped scanning the water for a skier down and just look at the boat with the flag.

Per the ABC's of Boating handbook issued by the State of California a red or orange flag is used for the following:

- A downed skier
- A skier in the water preparing to ski
- A ski line extended for the vessel (not sure if that's a spelling error and should be "from"?)
- A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel

The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.

I put the flag up while floating and my kids are swimming near boat. I see this often at the lakes where I boat.

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

I always raise my hand while approaching a boater with a flag up, whether or not a skier or swimmer is in the water. I think it's also helpful raising a hand to signal your skier if the pathway is narrow (such as can be the case on busy weekends in Big River) and if the skier cuts too wide, will risk hitting down skier or another boat. Works for signaling debris in the water for a skier as well.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I use the flag as the law states. Only for down skiers and equipment. And yes, a rope in the water attached to the boat can be very dangerous for everybody if another boat runs over it.

I do raise a hand when I see a flag and spot the skier or equipment. Most people (typically roll bar boat drivers) have zero clue why my hand is up and just usually wave at me. Idiots.

 

[rvrrun]

Glad RD made it clear. LOL

If i have a person in the water next to my boat. I don't care if they are a downed skier, getting ready to ski or diving in the water float for a few and cool off. My flag is up.

That's what I've always done, if someone or something is in the water to be avoided I have it up.

Even when floating in a no wake like Bluewater or Thompson.

 

[minijeep]

I admit I have my flag up anytime someone is in the water. When I approach someone with a flag up I raise my hand to acknowledge that someone is on the water and if it's a downed skier I will point to them to let them know I see them in the water.

 

[AJ13]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

I always raise my hand. I want the other boater to know I see they have someone in the water.

 

[outboardrick]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

I raise my hand and also point to the skier so they know that I see them :thumbsup

 

[Groper]

I try to raise my hand only after I actually see their person or equipment in the water(sometimes out of habit though, my hand just goes up). It seems useless to raise your hand to just acknowledge you see their flag.

It's acknowledgement like you said, that you see the person(s) in the water.

All I know is the flag is down until the skier goes down. Rope is in the water the whole time. Leads me to believe it's more the person than equipment. That's just my thinking though

The rope can be a hazard for the you and the Bote traveling by, have you ever seen a Bote catch a rope and drag you around until they've figured it out or the rope breaks, it's a very dangerous situation.

If you don't put your flag down until the skier is in the boat, weren't they just a swimmer for the last few minutes.:rolleyes

Yes

Flying-Lavy; I do raise a hand when I see a flag and spot the skier or equipment. Most people (typically roll bar boat drivers) have zero clue why my hand is up and just usually wave at me. Idiots.

Yea I usually get a "WTF are you looking at or confused look on their faces"

I raise my hand and also point to the skier so they know that I see them :thumbsup

perfect :thumbsup

 

[2Driver]

Per the ABC's of Boating handbook issued by the State of California a red or orange flag is used for the following:

- A downed skier
- A skier in the water preparing to ski
- A ski line extended for the vessel (not sure if that's a spelling error and should be "from"?)
- A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel

The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.

.

Good point about CA. I always follow AZ standards.

Looks like the cop that said it needs to be up for swimming might want to reread his own law

 

[RiverDave]

Glad RD made it clear. LOL

If i have a person in the water next to my boat. I don't care if they are a downed skier, getting ready to ski or diving in the water float for a few and cool off. My flag is up.

I didn't that way my whole life, until Boatcop corrected me.. its for skiers / tow sports only.

Granted I don't see anything wrong with displaying the flag when it's just people in the water, but it isn't necessary.

It has nothing to do with rope in the water. This has been beat to death and clarified by boatcop before. It is about the person being towed who is now down in the water.

Not swimmers
Not rope
Not a boat floating from the dam

Skier, tuber, wake boarder etc, down in the water.

The problem is that so many boaters fly the flag for the wrong reason, some permanently, that the average boater has stopped scanning the water for a skier down and just look at the boat with the flag.

This.. although I personally think the rope in the water is the most dangerous things on the water.. if the ropes out and someone's in the water flag is up.

I was anchored out in front of blue water and had swimmers in the water police boat stoped and told me to put my flag up

I'd believe Alan over who ever that was.. but I'd comply with them just to not have to deal with the repercussions. Lol

I've heard "stories" of the police in Parker telling people they need to have their flag up for swimmers in the water.

Well we had the guy in charge of boating ops tell us the opposite about 500 times on here. Lol

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

The hand up deal isn't law and it's a courtesy. The way I was taught it (not saying it's the only way) Was you raise your hand when you see the skier in the water to acknowledge that you see them.

Same here, people in the water flag is up

Per the ABC's of Boating handbook issued by the State of California a red or orange flag is used for the following:

- A downed skier
- A skier in the water preparing to ski
- A ski line extended for the vessel (not sure if that's a spelling error and should be "from"?)
- A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel

The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.

I put the flag up while floating and my kids are swimming near boat. I see this often at the lakes where I boat.



I always raise my hand while approaching a boater with a flag up, whether or not a skier or swimmer is in the water. I think it's also helpful raising a hand to signal your skier if the pathway is narrow (such as can be the case on busy weekends in Big River) and if the skier cuts too wide, will risk hitting down skier or another boat. Works for signaling debris in the water for a skier as well.

So you are signaling that you are seeing the flag and not the person in the water?

 

[fishing fool]

I signal when I see the person.
I signal before the boat does most of the time if I am besides the.
"Note" besides them not behind

 

[Icky]

Well we had the guy in charge of boating ops tell us the opposite about 500 times on here. Lol

Well if it ever happens to me I'll be sure to correct the officer and tell them that they should call call Alan or please review offical law on RDP:champagne:

 

[twocents]

Anybody know where skier down, orange flag up protocol started and when?

 

[thmterry]

I always felt better having a flag up with people in the water even if they are just cooling off. Lots of times in the river I will give the swimmers a dock line to hold onto so the boat doesn't get away so technically I am right to have flag up

 

[obnoxious001]

It has nothing to do with rope in the water. This has been beat to death and clarified by boatcop before. It is about the person being towed who is now down in the water.

Not swimmers
Not rope
Not a boat floating from the dam

Skier, tuber, wake boarder etc, down in the water.

The problem is that so many boaters fly the flag for the wrong reason, some permanently, that the average boater has stopped scanning the water for a skier down and just look at the boat with the flag.

"Under California law, the display of a ski flag is mandatory to indicate a skier in the water, or a ski,
a line, or similar equipment in the immediate area. The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict
the use of the water, but warns boaters operating in the area to exercise caution."

 

[RiverDave]

Well if it ever happens to me I'll be sure to correct the officer and tell them that they should call call Alan or please review offical law on RDP:champagne:

Oh read the rest.. I'd comply but tell them what Boatcop said and to check the statutes..

 

[River Lynchmob]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

I do and always have once I spot the skier in the water...learned to boat on Lake Arrowhead and it is a rule up there. I do not see it observed often on other lakes/rivers.

 

[boatnam2]

I raise my hand on every orange flag when i see the skier, biggest problem is lots of times you see everyone in boat but driver wave at flag and have no clue it means the driver see's person or rope in water.

 

[rivermobster]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

Every time. Even for roll bar boaters. Ya never know when one might actually appreciate it!

 

[milkmoney]

I always raise my hand. I want the other boater to know I see they have someone in the water.

I do the same so the other boat sees that I am paying attention while driving the boat , yes even to the damn roll bar boats , lol.

If you have a skier or tuber down, then u have a rope in the water. If they are not down then no rope in the water , goid god , this rule is confusing , [emoji6]

For the flag up with swimmers in the water, I am not against it or for it . I don't pull up to the boater and say , hey fuckstick put ur flag down ,there is no skier , I feel that better safe than sorry, not a bad idea
[emoji202]

 

[crzy2bealive]

We use a flag here in Texas and people look at us like we are crazy. Never see anyone else using them out here.

Yah my brother in law from Texas thought I was crazy when I mentioned a ski flag

 

[crzy2bealive]

When you see a flag up do you raise your hand acknowledging that you see them??? I do, that way the boat behind you can look to see as well

I do

 

[fishing fool]

It makes me mad when I see people towing tubes in the no wake zone or in the channel

 

[milkmoney]

It makes me mad when I see people towing tubes in the no wake zone or in the channel

U live in havasu and boat everyday and u get mad. Come on bro , ur killin us [emoji482] [emoji202]

 

[buck35]

I always felt better having a flag up with people in the water even if they are just cooling off. Lots of times in the river I will give the swimmers a dock line to hold onto so the boat doesn't get away so technically I am right to have flag up

It's a skier down flag...
is this not akin to running hazard lights because you are planning a left hand turn? The left signal is still blinking , right?
I'm all about being cautious on a busy waterway, but when used improperly it will eventually be ignored. Perhaps a diver down flag when swimmers would be more appropriate. JAT.

 

[thmterry]

It's a skier down flag...
is this not akin to running hazard lights because you are planning a left hand turn? The left signal is still blinking , right?
I'm all about being cautious on a busy waterway, but when used improperly it will eventually be ignored. Perhaps a diver down flag when swimmers would be more appropriate. JAT.

What are you talking about. I have people in the water with a rope, is that not same as picking up down skier? I want other boats to know I have stuff in water and that is why flag is up.

The river can go from no boats to a lot of boats fast and I want boat drivers to look for my people in the water. As for me personally when I see someone with a flag up, especially if it is in a holder versus someones hand I am looking for swimmers, ropes, tubes and any other objects that could be in the water. As the boat captain I want to know when other boaters have something is in the water. Just like this thread has shown there is a lot of misinterpretation of the proper meaning of the orange flag.

But you are right maybe the Government should make us use a different color flag indicating people in water versus skiers.

 

[SHOCKtheMONKEY]

Hand up when I see a flag/skier.

Closed fist or open hand?

I was taught closed fist, don't know why...

 

[milkmoney]

Hand up when I see a flag/skier.

Closed fist or open hand?

I was taught closed fist, don't know why...

Easier to raise the middle finger then close 3 fingers and a thumb if need be [emoji6] [emoji202]

 

[buck35]

What are you talking about. I have people in the water with a rope, is that not same as picking up down skier? I want other boats to know I have stuff in water and that is why flag is up.

The river can go from no boats to a lot of boats fast and I want boat drivers to look for my people in the water. As for me personally wis usually in motion en I see someone with a flag up, especially if it is in a holder versus someones hand I am looking for swimmers, ropes, tubes and any other objects that could be in the water. As the boat captain I want to know when other boaters have something is in the water. Just like this thread has shown there is a lot of misinterpretation of the proper meaning of the orange flag.

But you are right maybe the Government should make us use a different color flag indicating people in water versus skiers.

You kind of twisted what I originally said , there's a big difference between a skier or tuber that may have been tossed many feet from the boat to a swimmer who ought not to venture far from the home base. I would never blast by another boat within a couple ropes distance be there a flag up or not. also a boat retrieving a lost, tossed person is normally in motion to pick up the said loser, not waiting for them to swim back. That said, any boat not moving and my eyes are glued to he water in front of me, right or wrong , I sure as shit don't want to harm anyone .