36 CFR § 3.12 - May I use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t36/s3.12"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "36 CFR § 3.12 - May I use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities?"
title_number: 36
title_name: "Parks, Forests, and Public Property"
section_number: "3.12"
section_name: "May I use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities?"
chapter_name: "NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
part_number: "3"
part_name: "BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102."
regulatory_source: "72 FR 13702, Mar. 23, 2007, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "3"
---


# 3.12 May I use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities?

(a) The towing of a person by a vessel is allowed only in designated waters, and in accordance with conditions established by the superintendent under §§ 1.5 and 1.7 of this chapter.

(b) Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider or other airborne device may be allowed only in accordance with a permit issued by the superintendent under § 1.6 of this chapter.

(c) Where towing is designated, the following conditions apply:

(1) Towing is allowed only between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

(2) In addition to the boat operator, a person at least 12 years of age must be present to observe the action of the person being towed.

(3) A person being towed must wear a United States Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.

(4) A person being towed may not commit any act in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person or damage property.

(5) Operating a vessel that does not have the capacity to carry the person(s) being towed in addition to the operator and observer is prohibited.

(6) No person shall operate a power driven vessel using a tow rope 20 feet or less in length when towing a person.