Jet Skis are fun, fast and simple with just a handle bar, seat and an jet powered engine! You must respect a machine with this 
much power. Safety is cool - getting into an Water accident where people can get hurt is not. Yachting-n-Boating.com will provide safety tips and information you need to protect yourself and other around you while operating. Here are top 10 tips and techniques for Personal Watercraft safety:
- Take a PWC Safety Training Course...
most Boating Safety Training Facilities also offer Personal Watercraft training and education. These courses will give you the 'rules of the road' and proper operation of the PWC. Check with your states - Division of State Police Marine Law Enforcement because now some states require by law you complete a PWC Safety Certification Course before hitting the Water. The course must be approved by National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). This course is also recognized by the US Coast Guard as acceptable to the National Recreational Boating Safety Program. - Safety Equipment...
All riders must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). Next, securely attach the engine stop Lanyard to your wrist or PFD. Keep it attached at all times; if you should happen to fall of the PWC the engine will shut-off when the Lanyard releases the kill switch. Also be sure to have stored a fire extinguisher on-board.
- Stay Alert...
While under way always keep your head on a swivel watching for potential hazards or other PWC & Boats. The most popular accident on a Jet Ski is collision or hitting something or someone while making quick turns at high speeds. Be extra careful on high traffic times such as weekends and holidays. Alcohol will NOT keep you alert as you should be; do not consume alcohol while operating the PWC.
- It's YOUR Machine...
No one knows your PWC or proper operating safety better then you; so be cautious when letting someone else borrow your Jet Ski. Nearly 80% of PWC accidents occur when the owner let someone else borrow their machine. If you let someone else borrow it, ride with them first to show them proper handling and safety.
- What age can I Operate a PWC...
No one under the age of 18 should be operating a Jet Ski (Manufacturers recommends 16 years of age as the minimum for PWC operators). Check with your state and what they allow. Some states allow 13 to 17 years of age to operate a PWC with a Boater Education Certificate and a photo ID. Children younger then 13 are prohibited from operating a Jet Ski; they can however ride with someone who is 18 or older.
- Keep you Distance...
Avoid accidents by keeping your distance. Remember a PWC has no brakes so the distance from other Jet Skis, Boats and Shoreline should be at least 50 feet. Jumping the wake of another Watercraft is reckless and can be unnecessarily close.
- Keep the Power coming...
PWC's have no brakes, as mentioned above, plus they have no rudder and they don't go in reverse! Sound challenging? Well it isn't. As you thrust forward you turn the handle bars in the direction you want to go pressing the throttle to turn faster. It takes practice but in no time you'll be doing 360's! Try
renting a jet ski before buying or borrowing
to get the feel.
- Water Skiing or Wakeboarding...
Doing these while hooked to the back of a Jet Ski is awesome! Personal Watercraft's are faster then most Boats and make it easier to get on & off the machine and quicker to turn around to pick you up when you wipe out! BUT you must have a Jet Ski with a passenger rating for 3-people. While under way towing a Skier or Wakeboarder there should be a 'spotter' designated only to watch the skier in case of a fall so the driver can focus on a safe path of travel.
- Daylight only...
Personal Watercraft's are prohibited on the water before sun rise or after sunset. They are not designed with navigation lights, so when the sunsets so does your machine - on the trailer or lift. - Have Fun but Remember...
Jet Ski's are considered a Power Boat and must operate under the same set of rules. Yachting-n-Boating.com recommends taking the time to educate yourself and others who will operating the machine about the proper Boating & Personal Watercraft Safety with a training course near you! Or like what the rest of the world is doing, take an on-line Boater Safety Course and save time and money!
Now get out there...
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