Safety Matters

Know your owner's manual. Read, understand, and follow the directions in it.

Read, understand, and follow all labels on the PWC.

Keep your hands, feet, hair, clothing, etc., away from the pump intake.

Do not operate your personal watercraft in shallow water. Debris pushed by the pump can damage the engine or injure you or bystanders. Manufacturers recommend that you do not operate in less than two or three feet of water, but that means at very low speed. Don't forget: "shallow water" can quickly become "no water."

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.