Riding a jet ski can be exhilarating, but only if you survive the ride to go out again the next day.
It’s important to be familiar with common causes of accidents and injuries linked with PWC operation before heading out on the water – that way, you’ll know what to do to minimize the risk of a mishap.
Read our complete guide and be prepared to operate your personal watercraft safely and legally anywhere in the United States.
First, let’s go over the most common risks linked with jet ski operation:
Busy waterways pose a danger of collisions with boats, other jet skis, and even swimmers, often due to operator inattention, excessive speed, or neglecting navigation rules.
Crashing into fixed objects like docks, buoys, or rocks can result in significant injuries, particularly when traveling at high speeds. Remember that even after falling off a jet ski, there’s a risk of colliding with your own watercraft if it continues moving.
Jet skis can be a bit tricky to handle because of how they’re designed. They can accelerate to high speeds very quickly, which can make them difficult to steer, especially if you don’t have much experience. Also, if you turn too sharply, you could easily fall off.
Unlike cars or even some boats, jet skis do not have regular brakes. To slow down, you have to ease off the gas or go into reverse (depending on your speed and the circumstances), so you need to plan ahead and have enough space. One more thing to know is that they don’t steer very well, or sometimes at all, when you’re going slowly, since the steering control on a PWC is directly linked to the propulsion mechanism.
When you fall off a fast-moving jet ski and hit the water, the impact can feel much harder than you might expect, almost like slamming into a solid surface. Sudden jerks and unexpected movements can also cause whiplash, a painful injury to your neck.
There’s a danger of cuts and scrapes if you’re thrown against the jet ski or nearby objects and unexpected impact can also lead to broken bones and twisted joints. Head injuries, including concussions, can be a risk if you are thrown, and in more serious cases, high-speed crashes can even damage your internal organs or spinal cord.
Losing consciousness after an injury or being unable to swim after falling off can lead to drowning, even with a life jacket. Nonetheless, using an approved Type III life jacket (in the old system) or a Type I life jacket (in the new system) with appropriate age, buoyancy and activity specifications, is still the best way to protect yourself in case of immersion. U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs are required by law when operating a PWC or other motorized vessel.
While you can never fully predict what might lead to an accident, it can help to know the most common circumstances surrounding jet ski incidents:
So, what can you do to operate your jet ski safely?
Stay safe by avoiding alcohol consumption, respecting speed limits and no-wake zones, and always checking for small craft advisories. Never operate a jet ski at night or in poor visibility, and avoid riding alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Respect the capacity of the vessel and be extra careful if you have children with you.
Always carry the right type of emergency equipment, and learn how to reboard safely to avoid serious injury from a propellor strike.
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Drive A Boat USA offers boating safety courses that qualify you to legally operate a PWC in California, New York and Florida. Millions of boaters have followed our 100% online boater safety course and exam. Get started on your state-specific PWC certification today!