What is the appropriate action if a skier has dropped or fallen?

When a skier has dropped or fallen, the most appropriate action is to circle the skier slowly, keeping them in view. This approach ensures that the skier is safe and visible while also maintaining control of the boat. By circling slowly, the boat operator can observe the skier’s condition and be prepared to assist them if necessary. This maneuver allows the operator to maintain a safe distance without creating excessive waves or turbulence that could endanger the skier or make their retrieval more difficult.

The importance of visibility cannot be overstated; maintaining eye contact with the skier ensures their safety and allows for timely assistance if they require help getting back to the boat. Circling too quickly can create a hazardous situation by causing erratic movements in the water, which may disorient the fallen skier or put them at risk of being struck by the boat.

In contrast, alerting the boat operator right away or speeding away from the area would not be effective in providing immediate assistance, while circling quickly may increase the risk of accident rather than providing a safe recovery process. Therefore, keeping a slow circle maintains safety and supports effective rescue operations.