Safety
Driver
The person operating the boat, responsible for throttle, course, speed, and the rider's safety, working alongside a separate spotter.
The driver operates the boat and must focus on a safe, straight course at steady speed while bringing the rider up and keeping the wave clean. Because the driver should be watching the water ahead, towing watersports legally requires a separate spotter to watch the rider; the driver cannot safely do both. Good drivers communicate with the rider via the spotter and hand signals and keep the boat well clear of shore, swimmers, and obstacles.
The driver also controls the most dangerous part of the system, the propeller, and must shut down the engine the moment a rider is in the water near the stern.