Your State Law

Flagger, our semi-automatic flag system, is designed to be fully compliant with safety regulations by requiring an observer to be present along with the captain. This innovative product does not replace the need for a human observer but rather enhances it, as the flag is deployed and retracted with the push of a button. The system provides a crucial early warning when a rider is down, allowing the observer and driver to react more quickly and effectively. By integrating this technology, Flagger ensures a faster response while maintaining the critical role of the human observer, thereby meeting all legal requirements for safety and operation. 

States Requiring a Skier-Down Flag (Verified Statewide Laws)

Alphabetical list with official citations and the operative requirement. Click the citation to view the full law/regulation.

Arizona

Citation: A.R.S. § 5-346(C)
Operative rule: Observer must display a bright orange/red flag, ≥ 12″×12″, on a handle, visible from every direction when the towed person is down/preparing.

California

Citation: 14 CCR § 7009 (“The Ski Flag”)  |  Harbors & Navigation Code § 658.7
Operative rule: A red/orange flag at least 12″×12″, square/rectangular, visible from all directions; display when a skier/equipment or towline is in the water.

Colorado

Citation: 2 CCR 405-2 § P-2 #223(6) (PDF)
Operative rule: Display an orange/red flag, ≥ 12″ square, whenever the towed person or associated equipment is down in the water; not while actively towing.

Idaho

Citation: Idaho Parks & Recreation (official)
Operative rule: Vessels towing must carry and use a red/orange skier-down flag, ≥ 12″×12″, whenever the towed person is in the water.

Illinois

Citation: 625 ILCS 45/5-14(E)
Operative rule: Orange flag, ≥ 12″ per side, visible all directions, displayed while towing operations occur and when the person/line is in the water.

Kansas

Citation: USCG State Table (KS)  |  KDWP Notice  |  Boat-Ed (KS)
Operative rule: Red/orange skier-down flag, ≥ 12″×12″, must be used whenever the towed person or equipment is down in the water.

Missouri

Citation: RSMo § 306.126 (Boat-Ed summary)
Operative rule: Red/orange flag, ≥ 12″×12″, 360° visible; displayed only when an occupant has entered the water or equipment/line is in the water.

Nebraska

Citation: 163 NAC ch. 3 § 005.06 (Boating Regs PDF)
Operative rule: Hunter-orange flag, ≥ 12″ square (≥ 144 sq in), 360° visible, displayed whenever person/equipment is down; not displayed at other times.

Nevada

Citation: NDOW/Boat-Ed (NV)
Operative rule: Orange/red skier-down flag, ≥ 12″×12″, displayed whenever the towed person or equipment is down in the water.

New Jersey

Citation: N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.1(g)
Operative rule: Orange triangular pennant, ≥ 12″, displayed at least 4 ft above highest structure while towing/retrieving, when person or towline is in water.

New Mexico

Citation: State Parks (official)  |  18.17.2 NMAC
Operative rule: Red/orange flag, minimum 12″×12″, visible 360°, displayed when person(s) being towed are in the water.

Oregon

Citation: ORS § 830.365(7)
Operative rule: “Skier down” flag international orange/red, ≥ 12″×12″; displayed immediately when person becomes disengaged and is down; remain displayed until clear.

Utah

Citation: Utah Admin. R651-224-3
Operative rule: International orange flag, ≥ 12″ square, mounted on a handle; displayed when the person to be towed is in the water or preparing.

Washington

Citation: RCW 79A.60.170(2)
Operative rule: Bright red/orange flag, ≥ 12″ square, on pole ≥ 24″, visible from every direction when skier is preparing/in the water or towline is extended.