Currents

Areas containing strong currents are usually marked. Avoid them. Also, you can't predict when you may fall off your personal watercraft. Strong currents can be extremely hazardous to swimmers and riders trying to reach and re-board the boat. Avoid rocky areas and jetties because of unpredictable currents and other obvious hazards.

Not understanding local conditions contributes to boating accidents and fatalities. Special attention should be paid to: rapids, sudden gusts, overhead cables, bridges and heavy boating traffic. Low head dams should be of special concern as they pose a problem and danger to boaters both above and below the dam. A boater unaware of the location of the dam could be swept over and caught in the recirculating water just below the dam. Check with a local marina or area boating enforcement agency for information on local hazards.