Any person who operates a vessel towing any person riding or attempting to ride upon one or more water skis or upon a surfboard or similar device, or engaging or attempting to engage in barefoot skiing, on the waters in this state shall have present in the vessel a person or persons other than the operator, ten years of age or older, who shall at all times observe the progress of the person being towed. The operator of the towing vessel shall at all times observe the traffic pattern toward which the vessel is approaching.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.