Personal Watercraft Safety

Personal watercraft safety is very important and really can not be understated. Thankfully, remembering a few crucial tips will go a long way towards preserving your safety and the safety of your family. I am going to list a few tips below. These tips are not exhaustive and are only meant as an initial guideline to personal watercraft safety.

1. Use common sense. If something feels risky then it probably is. Survey your environment. Look for potential hazards such as drift wood or marshes or waterfalls.

2. Always wear a proper life jacket while using a PWC. There are no exceptions to this rule. Make certain that your PWC is certified (there should be a certification tag inside the vest). Make sure that your childrens life jackets are appropriate for the height and weight of your child. If you child is small and under a certain weight then make sure that he or she has a life jacket with a strap that goes between their legs. Never allow your child to use a life jacket that is either too big or too small for your child.

3. Stay sober. Do not drink when you are operating any type of PWC. Again, there are no exceptions to this rule. There will be plenty of opportunities to have a cold beer or glass of wine once your day on the water is over. Remember a breach of this rule is not only unsafe but it is also against the law and could result in serious fines.

4. Never use your PWC after dark. Why use the PWC after dark? It does not make sense and is also hazardous to yourself and others.

5. Never allow children to use a PWC unless they are under the direct supervision of a responsible person over the age of 16.

6. Always use a spotter if towing someone behind your PWC. Towing a person behind a Seadoo is a very common and fun practice. At all times have a spotter that is able to have constant sight of the person or people being towed. Also always remember to fully remove the Seadoo covers.

7. Give someone on land your itinerary and when you expect to be back on land. this person can alert the authorities should you be late in arriving back.

8. Always carry the safety equipment required by law. This safety equipment might include a noisemaker.

If you keep the above mentioned tips in mind you and your family should be able to enjoy safe personal watercraft experiences. Remember the most important aspects of watercraft safety are to always wear a life jacket and to always use common sense. Be safe.