Safety and Responsibility

As a personal watercraft user, you are in command of a boat. Attitude and awareness are key factors when you operate any boat, since most boating accidents result from operator error. Also, when riding with a passenger make sure they know what to do if they fall off or the proper actions for any other circumstance that could occur on the water.

It is very important that you read and understand your owners' manual before you operate your PWC. It is the best source of information about the operating characteristics of your PWC.

Read and understand all the warning labels on your PWC.

Do not put anything near the pump intake with the engine running. This is especially true of fingers, clothes, toes, etc. The water flowing into the intake will pull hair or anything loose into the jet unit.

Travel in pairs if possible. This will provide another person with a PWC to enjoy the day with. It can also come in handy should one of you have a mechanical problem and require a tow back to the launch.

Its also a good idea to carry a ski flag to wave should you need to summon help and 25 feet of small line should you need a tow.

PWC Safety Training

Others will want to operate your PWC. PWC operation requires more than knowing where the throttle is and how to steer. Beachside instructions are never complete and often an operator's lack of skill or experience leads to a close call, ruining another's boating experience or accidents and injuries. Never let anyone operate your PWC unless they have taken this or some other approved PWC course. You have taken the time and made the effort to learn about PWC operation and you should be congratulated. You can make the waterways safer by making sure additional users have your level of expertise. Make sure they know all the boating rules.

Until you become accustomed to your PWC, take your first few rides in an area not congested by other personal watercraft riders and other types of boats.

Don't operate your boat - or allow anyone else to operate it - while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Both can impair balance, vision, and judgment - necessary components of safe boating.