The thrill of speeding through the water on a Jet Ski or PWC (personal water craft), bouncing over the waves with the sea and sun tickling your face can’t be beaten. They run at up to 65 miles per hour, yet regulation around the use of jet skis is fairly loose.There’s no denying personal watercraft (Jet Skis) are an exhilarating ride and a fun way to spend an afternoon on a local lake or reservoir. While it can be an exciting water-based activity, it can also be dangerous and precautions must be taken.
Experience and proper education in Jet Ski operation are vital to reducing your risk of accidents. Besides adhering to laws on age and education requirements, a checklist of good safety practices can make for a fun and mishap-free day on the water. Here are some tips:
- Know and understand all operational features of the craft you are riding - read and follow your Operator's Guide.
- Ensure your watercraft is Coast Guard-compliant and has all required equipment.
- Securely attach engine cutoff lanyard to your wrist or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Keep attached at all times.
- All watercraft riders must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD. The operator and passenger(s) of watercraft must wear protective clothing, including:
- A wet suit bottom or thick, tightly woven, snug-fitting clothing that provides equivalent protection. Thin bike shorts for example would not be appropriate. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into water or being near jet thrust nozzle.
- Normal swim wear does not adequately protect against forceful water entry into the lower body opening(s) of males or females.
- Footwear, gloves and goggles/glasses are also recommended. Some type of lightweight, flexible foot protection is recommended. This will help reduce possible injury, should you step on sharp underwater objects.
- Know your vessel’s capacity – don't overload.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Constantly look in all directions for skiers, divers, swimmers and other boats or watercraft.
- Keep a safe distance! Avoid wake jumping, splashing and passing close to any other vessels.
- Know the waters you will be operating in and observe all applicable federal, state and local boating laws.
- Know the weather conditions – tune into your local forecast.
- Stay clear of all restricted areas.
- Obey ALL posted signs, such as "NO WAKE," "RIGHT OF WAY," "IDLE" and other navigation signs.
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating a watercraft or boat.
- All operators must be of legal age to operate the craft you will be riding.
- A minimum operator of 16 years of age to ride is recommended.
- Always operate at a safe speed and be prepared to stop or alter course in emergencies. Ride within your limits, and allow sufficient distance to stop.
- Whether you're heading in or out, always maintain a slow speed until you're in a clear area, away from shore.
- Know and understand right-of-way rules.
- Remember you need throttle power to steer.
- Stay in sight of shore, but avoid operating too close to residential and congested areas. Be considerate of others who share the waterways.
- A boating safety course is strongly recommended.