Which is a recommended water-skiing safety practice?

Holding up a ski after falling is a recommended water-skiing safety practice because it signals to the boat operator that the skier is in the water and needs assistance. This action helps to avoid accidents by ensuring the boat does not inadvertently run over the skier. By raising a ski, the skier is more visible to both the boat driver and other nearby boats, enhancing overall safety during water activities. It is essential for skiers to remain as visible as possible after a fall to promote the awareness of others on the water, and this method is a straightforward way to communicate their status.

In contrast, wearing a life jacket at all times is also a crucial safety measure, but it is more fundamental to water activities in general rather than specific to water-skiing practices. The choice of skiing without a spotter is unsafe and contrary to recommended practices, as having a spotter helps monitor the skier and communicate vital information to the driver. Skiing only in calm waters is a suggestion for safer conditions, yet it does not encompass the entirety of safety practices essential for water-skiing, nor does it ensure the safety of the skier after a fall.