What is a good practice when towing a person behind a boat?

Keeping a close eye on the towed person is crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being while they are behind the boat. This practice allows the boat operator to respond quickly to any signals or signs of distress from the individual being towed. Towed persons may face various hazards such as falling into the water, experiencing sudden fatigue, or needing an immediate stop due to unforeseen circumstances. By maintaining visual contact, the operator can monitor the towed person's condition and make necessary adjustments to speed and direction, ensuring a safer experience for everyone involved.

Other options, while they may seem beneficial, do not prioritize the direct observation and immediate response that is vital in such situations. For example, only towing in calm waters limits the conditions under which a person can be towed but does not address the need for vigilance once towing is in progress. Similarly, using a short rope may affect the control of the towed person's movements, which could lead to accidents if the operator is not attentive. Having multiple people on the rope could introduce complications such as entanglement or difficulty managing the towing process safely, diverting focus from the towed individual's specific needs. Thus, the practice of keeping a close eye on the towed person stands out as the most essential for safety.