The Orange Flag Is Up: Tubing Safety Guide

Tubing can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy a day on Lake Coeur d’Alene! The awesome power and responsibility of towing a friend or family member through the water is a thrill all its own, and of course it can be a blast just observing the excitement as a passenger. But there’s nothing quite like the daring experience of grabbing onto that rubber tube and hanging on for as long as you can! Eventually that ride must come to an end and that orange flag comes up, though. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe and having fun while skipping across the lake at high speeds.

Tips Before Takeoff

Whether you’re driving, spotting, or tubing, there are some important safety considerations you need to keep in mind. These best practices don’t just keep you safe, they contribute to keeping the whole boating community safe, sharing the water together responsibly:

1. Have A Plan: It’s a good idea to discuss as a group who wants to go tubing, who wants to be the spotter(s), and who just wants to watch. If you have kids in your party, now is a great time to set up riding buddies, establish the order you will go in, and go over the rules. This can be accomplished on land ahead of time to avoid any frustration, hurt feelings, or embarrassment. Older kids (10 years old and up) can make great helpers while they’re waiting their turn, or if they’re uncomfortable tubing. As a driver, you also want to have an idea about where you will be tubing. Knowing things like weather conditions can be helpful, but even just planning to stay away from higher-traffic areas and out of main channels can go a long way to a successful day.

2. Discuss Hand Signals: A pontoon or Funship pulling a tube at speed can get loud! That coupled with the distances involved mean talking isn’t going to be an effective way to communicate while tubing. You should discuss an agreed upon set of hand signals to relay messages between the tubers and the driver, using the spotter as an intermediary. Whatever signals you decide on, make sure everyone understands how to make them, and what they mean. Some example signals are:

• Thumbs up: go faster

• Thumbs down: slow down

• OKAY sign: ready to start

• Throat cut gesture: I’m done

3. Wear Your Gear: In the state of Idaho, every person tubing must wear a properly fitted Personal Floatation Device (PFD) at all times. I recommend getting everyone who will be tubing their own PFD and testing its fit before you begin. A properly fitted PFD will be zipped up and have all buckles fastened and tightened. You can test this by pulling up on the shoulder straps. If the vest slides up into the rider’s face easily, it is too loose! Additionally, make sure the riders all are in appropriate swim-wear. Take off shoes, sunglasses, and all jewelry before tubing.

Tips While Driving

When driving a boat while towing a tube you have a lot of responsibilities to be mindful of, including your rider(s), your passengers, and anyone else enjoying the water. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Manage Your Speed: Make sure you know the ability levels of your riders. A speed of 8-12 miles per hour is appropriate for children and novices, and 15-20 MPH for more experienced teens and adults. If you approach 20 MPH and turn sharply, the tube can accelerate at a speed of up to 40 MPH or more! Crashes can be painful at any speed, but those speeds can risk serious damage. The faster you go, the more likely your rider is to fall off and the more likely that fall will result in injury. As the driver, always remember: it feels A LOT FASTER down on the water!

2. Pay Attention To Your Spotter: One person should be designated as a spotter, watching the tube at all times. It is your responsibility to listen to them. They will tell you if you need to slow down or stop, or if the riders have wiped out. 

3. Watch Your Surroundings: Keep your head on a swivel and be mindful of where you are. A typical tube tow rope is about 60’ long. As a rule, this means you want to keep at least 120’ away from all hazards, including:

• Shallow water/the shore

• Submerged obstacles like rocks, logs, or vegetation

• Docks, piers, pilings, buoys and other structures

• Wildlife

• Swimmers

• Other boaters

4. Pick Up Downed Tubers: Once your riders fall off (and they will!), make sure you decelerate. After driving away for a couple of seconds, make a wide turn at low speed and locate your swimmers, with the help of your spotter. Approach them so you can see them on your side of the boat at all times, pull up alongside them at a safe distance, turn your engine off, and lower your swim ladder. Do not restart your engine until all of your swimmers are safely on board, the ladder is back up, and the tube and tow line are not tangled in anything.

Tips While Spotting

There should be someone assigned as a spotter, whose job it is to watch the tube at all times. If that’s you, here’s what you need to do:

1. Know Your Signals: As discussed above, make sure you’re clear on what the hand signals mean. Watch the riders, and communicate their needs to the driver ASAP.

2. Pay Attention: You are also a second set of eyes for the driver. If there is something happening that they can’t see, you need to let them know about it.

3. Have The Flag Ready: The Orange Safety Flag is your responsibility. As soon as your riders hit the water, that flag needs to go up! Hold it out in a clearly visible position away from the boat. This signals to other boaters that you have a downed swimmer in the area, and you will be driving in such a manner as to retrieve them. Once they’re safely on board, put the flag down.

Following these essential tips will guarantee you and your guests an unforgettable aquatic adventure!