For water skiers, what safety device is mandatory to wear?

The correct answer is that personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for water skiers to wear. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of individuals engaging in water sports, particularly given the fast-paced nature of water skiing. PFDs are designed to keep a person afloat in the water, reducing the risk of drowning in the event of a fall or an unexpected incident.

Water skiing can involve high speeds and the possibility of accidents, making it essential that skiers are equipped with proper safety gear. While helmets and other forms of head protection can be beneficial in certain conditions, they are not a required safety device specifically for water skiing in Massachusetts. Life jackets and buoyancy aids may offer some level of flotation, but they do not fulfill the same mandatory requirements set forth by state regulations as PFDs do. Therefore, wearing a properly fitted and approved PFD while water skiing is crucial for compliance with safety laws and overall safety on the water.