Personal Watercraft Safety and Operation

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation

• Operators must adhere to the same rules as other vessels, with additional PWC-specific regulations.
• Read and understand the owner’s manual and any instructional videos provided by manufacturers.

Safety and Maintenance

• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance on your PWC to ensure safe operation.
• Be knowledgeable about local, state, and federal laws applicable to personal watercraft.

Steering and Control

• Maintain power to the PWC to ensure control; releasing the throttle or shutting off the engine can result in loss of steering.
• Steering is achieved by directing water jets; turning the control causes the water jet to push the vessel in the opposite direction.

Passenger Safety

• Ensure all passengers can securely hold onto the operator or handholds, keeping both feet firm on footrests.
• Do not allow children who cannot maintain this position to ride on the PWC.
• All riders should wear personal flotation devices (life jackets) for added safety.

Operating Tips

• Keep a safe distance from other PWCs to prevent collisions.
• Always look behind and be aware of traffic in the boating area to ensure safety during maneuvers.

Environmental Awareness

• Operate only in water that is at least 30 inches deep to avoid damaging your PWC and the environment.
• Be cautious when fueling to prevent spills which could harm aquatic ecosystems.

Noise Management

• Excessive noise creates disturbances for other boaters and people on shore; vary operating areas and avoid congregating with other PWCs.
• Do not modify your exhaust system in a way that increases noise, as this can be illegal and annoying to others.

Emergency Procedures

• Understand how to right the PWC after capsizing and practice reboarding techniques.
• Keep a safety lanyard attached to the ignition; it turns off the engine if the operator falls off.

Propeller Safety

• Avoid starting the engine while in gear, and turn off the engine when passengers are boarding or disembarking.
• Maintain vigilance for swimmers and divers, especially in congested areas, to prevent propeller strike incidents.

Technical Safety Features

• Use safeguards like guards, interlocks, and wireless sensors to prevent accidents and injuries related to the propeller.
• Propellers and jet drives require operators to maintain attention and control to avoid accidents; the phenomenon known as "circle of death" can occur from loss of control.

General Boating Etiquette

• Share waterways respectfully and safely with other boaters and marine life—never use a PWC to disturb wildlife.