Final answer:
In New Jersey, legal towing with a PWC requires an observer at least 12 years old, the PWC must be rated for three people, proper safety equipment must be used, a skier-down flag should be displayed, and local boating regulations must be followed.
Step-by-step explanation:
In New Jersey, to legally tow a person with a Personal Watercraft (PWC), certain requirements must be met for safety and compliance with state regulations. First and foremost, it's pertinent to know that a PWC, commonly referred to as a jet ski, wave runner, or Sea-Doo, is a type of motorboat and is subject to boating laws including those regarding towing.
According to New Jersey state law, anyone looking to tow a person with a PWC must have an observer who is at least 12 years old and in a position to monitor the towed person(s) at all times. This is in addition to the operator of the PWC. The observer must have the ability to communicate with the operator at all times. Moreover, a capability to signal if the person being towed falls into the water or if there is a necessity to adjust the speed or direction is critical.
Aside from an observer, the PWC must be rated to carry at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrievee—in the event that someone being towed needs to be picked up out of the water. This ensures that there's enough space on the PWC for everyone's safety.
Another law mandates the PWC to be equipped with proper safety equipment, including a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket for each person involved in the towing activity, which must be worn at all times. Additionally, the PWC should display a red or orange skier-down flag whenever the person being towed is down in the water to alert other vessels in the vicinity.
For any towing activities, it is imperative to follow local regulations pertaining to speed, distance from shore, and operating times, as well as to avoid restricted areas. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of everyone on the water, including those being towed, the operators of the PWC, other boaters, and swimmers.