to make hotel reservations.  

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Wisconsin Senate Passes Life Jacket Bill

Speaking of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin state Senate has passed a proposal that would require children under age 10 to wear a life jacket when on board boats up to 26 feet long.

Wisconsin and Virginia are the only states without such a requirement now. Children on boats operating in federal water are required to wear life jackets.

Current Wisconsin law requires life jackets on board for all passengers. However, they do not have to be worn.

This recently passed bill passed would require those ages 10 and under to wear the life jacket unless they are in the cabin or below deck. The bill originally applied to those under age 12, but was amended to cover those under age 10.

First offense is punishable with a warning, followed by a $50 fine for second offense and $100 after that.

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Safety Update – Concussion Awareness

Continuing with the safety theme, in a recent E-blast to USA Water Ski members, it was recommended that every water ski enthusiast take time to review his or her personal safety program. Awareness of the potential for injury to other skiers, and how to react when an injury occurs, are an important part of every safety program.

USA Water Ski recently received a legislative update (PDF) from its liability insurer addressing concerns about concussions in youth athletes. Although this legislation is focused on Washington State youth interscholastic athletes, the message is an important one for athletes everywhere. There are several informative links in this note that may help all of us to prevent head injuries, and to recognize them after an accident.
   
Although our ski season is winding down, now would be an excellent time to learn more about ski safety. There are many opportunities to learn more, such as by completing a first aid course, or by attending a USA Water Ski safety clinic in your area. 

Let's make an effort to plan for safety every time we go out on the water!

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Videos Of The Month

* Highlights from the 31st Collegiate Water Ski National Championships, Oct. 22-24, at Ironwood Ranch in Arvin, Calif: http://www.ncwsa.com.

* Highlights from the 25th annual Kneeboard National Championships, Sept. 19-20, at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX7XdcQHXHg.

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On Tap In November

•    The final IWWF Water Ski World Cup event of 2009 will take place Saturday and Sunday in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Men's and women's slalom, tricks and jumping are on the schedule. To view the live Webcast, visit www.waterskiandwakeboardworldcup.com.

•    The National Show Ski Association will hold its board of directors' meeting, Nov. 13-14, at USA Water Ski headquarters in Polk City, Fla.

•    The American Water Ski Association's Rules Committee will meet on Nov. 14 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

•    The American Water Ski Association's International Activities Committee will meet on Nov. 15 at USA Water Ski headquarters in Polk City, Fla.


The Editor's Notepad is published on the first Monday of each month. If you have news or information you would like included, contact Scott N. Atkinson at satkinson@usawaterski.org.