When you make the decision to go out on your boat tubing, it is critical to keep these boating safety and tubing tips in mind, especially in order to make sure your boating experience is safe and enjoyable:

Always use a personal flotation device. Not only is it always a good idea to wear your personal flotation device (PDF) while onboard the boat, it should go without saying that you should continue to wear it while in the water tubing, especially in the event that the rider becomes separated from the boat.

Know your equipment. It is imperative that not only you are familiar with the capabilities of your water sports equipment, but it is as equally important that your riders are as well. Be sure to follow to the manufacturer’s recommendations for water tubing capacity, as well as the recommended size, weight, number of riders, age limits, and maximum towing speeds.

Know your riders. It is extremely important to use common sense when it comes to the capability of your rider, especially when it comes to children. Even though sharp turns, high speeds, and big waves can be lots of fun, these things should never come at the expense of rider safety. 

Use a spotter. By designating one person onboard as a “spotter”, you can be sure that they can help you to keep a lookout for water tubing accidents, or to see if the rider has fallen off the tube, while you can continue to keep your attention on driving the boat.

Drive Responsibly. While enjoying a day of water tubing, it is critical that the driver should always maintain alertness, remain sober, and be aware of boating rules and regulations in your area. It is important to keep your distance from other boats in the area, especially when pulling riders. It is also critical to keep an eye out for additional water hazards such as rocks, docks, and buoys.

Use a secure tow line. With any water sport that requires the use of a tow line like in water tubing, it is important to always make sure that the tow line is securely tied before taking off. Also, check for signs of wear and tear, and replace when necessary.

To learn more about boating safety tips for tubing, visit OnlyInboards to view our inboard-specific boating resources.