It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their vessel.

Requirements for Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
(625 ILCS 45/4-1, 625 ILCS 45/4-11, 625 ILCS 45/5-2, 625 ILCS 45/5-18, 625 ILCS 45/5-20)

• Every person on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD) that is in good and serviceable condition.
• If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
• A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
• There are minimum age and boater education requirements for operators of personal watercraft.
• A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:
  • Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
  • Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
  • Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and avoid collision