A tragic accident involving a towed buoy resulted in the deaths of at least two people and serious injuries to a third in Saint-Cyprien, in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, on Tuesday. The incident is under investigation, and the exact circumstances remain unclear. Initial reports suggest that the boat became unbalanced due to waves, leading to the pilot being thrown off, the vessel becoming uncontrollable, and ultimately colliding with the victims. The pilot died as a result of the accident. Towed buoy activities, which involve pulling a buoy behind a motorized boat, are governed by specific regulations aimed at ensuring safety. These rules apply to pleasure boats and beach equipment such as jet skis or towed buoys. According to the regulations, such activities can only be conducted during the day, outside of designated swimming areas (at least 300 meters from the shore) and within 2 nautical miles of a shelter. Participants are required to wear life jackets with a minimum buoyancy of 50 Newtons, or 100 Newtons if they weigh less than 30 kg. Bright colors are encouraged to improve visibility in the water. The activity typically requires two people: a pilot and a monitor. However, if the operator has a state-issued monitor’s license, they can operate and monitor alone, but the boat must be equipped with a rearview mirror. Instructors must hold a Professional Certificate of the Youth, Popular Education, and Sports (BPJEPS) in "Mononautisme" or a Professional Qualification Certificate (CPQ) in "Water Ski Instructor, Wakeboarding, and Towed Equipment." These qualifications ensure that instructors are trained to manage the activity safely. Safety equipment is also a crucial part of the regulations. Motorized boats and jet skis must have a circuit breaker connected to the operator’s wrist, leg, or life jacket to automatically shut off the engine in case of an emergency. A second circuit breaker must be easily accessible on board and its location known to all passengers. The ongoing investigation may look into whether these safety measures were followed, as the boat continued moving after the incident occurred. The inquiry is expected to shed light on whether the safety protocols were adhered to and what role they may have played in the tragedy.