(a) No person shall ride or attempt to ride on one or more water skis, surfboard, inflatable device, or similar device being towed by a vessel without wearing an adequate and effective Coast Guard approved type one, two, or three personal flotation device or type five personal flotation device specifically designed for water skiing, in good and serviceable condition and of appropriate size, except upon special permit issued by the state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision having jurisdiction and control of the water.
(b) No person shall engage or attempt to engage in barefoot skiing without wearing an adequate and effective Coast Guard approved type one, two, or three personal flotation device or type five personal flotation device specifically designed for water skiing, in good and serviceable condition and of appropriate size, or a wet suit specifically designed for barefoot skiing.
(c) No operator of a vessel shall tow any person who fails to comply with subsection (a) or (b) hereof. (ORC 1547.18)