Safety Rules To Remember Before Hitting The Water

Jet Ski riding could probably be one of the best ways to spend your summer vacation with fun and adventure. Alongside feeling the cool sea breeze while riding your jet ski, you will also be sun-kissed and experience gentle splashes of the ocean around you. All in all, a jet ski ride in summer can never go wrong as no two experiences are the same. 

However, just like with any watersport, there are some specific safety rules that you should be mindful of before hitting the water. Some of them are as follows. 

Wear Your Life Jacket 

It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced or amateur swimmer wearing a life jacket is the first safety measure to practice while jet skiing or engaging in pretty much any watersport. Apart from saving you from drowning, a life jacket also avoids the risk of potential injuries if you fall into the water. 

Know All The Safety Features 

Usually, if you’re hiring through a jet ski rental company, they will give you a detailed guide on all safety measures and features to use in case of emergencies. Depending on how professional the rental company is this guide will be provided by a panel of experienced trainers. If you have any doubts or didn’t understand what they said feel free to clear them all before you hit the water. 

Stay Away From Alcohol 

Staying sober is a general safety rule that you must practise before hitting the water.  Remember that the coast guard can fine you if you’re caught drinking. Operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol can get you out of speed limits and land you in accidents that can damage the water and result in injuries for both you and other surrounding riders. 

Be Alert 

Usually many coastlines that allow jet skis can be filled with fishing boats and swimmers and even other jetski riders. So it is very important that you stay alert at all times to avoid unnecessary accidents and injuries. Just keep in mind that riding a jet ski is similar to riding a car which requires careful awareness of the surroundings. 

Head Back Before Sunset

Jet Skis don’t have operating lights for nighttime use as it’s not really safe to ride them at night when the waterways are dark. Operating a jet ski at night time is illegal and dangerous as it hides other commercial watercraft using the waterways, increasing the possibility of collisions. Make sure to return to the dock with plenty of time to spare. 

Check For Required Safety Equipment

According to standard personal watercraft regulations, every jet ski requires some common safety equipment like a coast guard approved B-1 fire extinguisher, sound signaling device (a whistle or a horn), an emergency engine cutoff lanyard attached to the jetski driver and vessel registration on-board before hitting the water. Additionally, it’s also recommended to have a two-way radio, first-aid kit and a signal flare if you want to strengthen the safety of your jet ski ride. 

Above all these, another safety rule that most people often overlook but is crucial to consider before hitting the water is renting the jetski from a professional and reliable company. Only they will be able to provide you with well-maintained watercraft that are in proper working condition for a safe ride. As they are also more likely to have the latest watercraft with advanced technology and features you can be sure to get the most out of your jet ski experience.