11 Essential Tips for Better Jet Ski Safety This Season

If you own a personal watercraft (PWC) or are considering buying one, it's essential to prioritize jet ski safety. Not only does doing this keep you and others protected on the water, but it also helps boost your confidence and makes operating your jet ski more enjoyable. 

From obtaining PWC insurance to addressing yearly maintenance, taking good care of your jet ski is one of the best ways to reduce risk and improve safety. Here's what you should know.

Why Jet Ski Safety Requirements and Proper Equipment Matter

Riding a jet ski is exhilarating and can be one of the best ways to enjoy the water. Without proper safety knowledge and equipment, however, it can quickly become a dangerous experience.

Here's why it's crucial to understand jet ski safety and have the right gear. 

Prevent Accidents and Injuries

Jet skis are powerful and fast, and that means accidents can happen in an instant. It's crucial to know how to operate your jet ski safely to reduce risks such as capsizing, collisions, or being thrown off at high speeds. 

Ensure Compliance with Local Laws

Many states and jurisdictions have laws governing the use of jet skis, including age restrictions, safety courses, and equipment requirements. Understanding these regulations helps prevent expensive fines and ensures compliance.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Having the proper safety equipment, including a life jacket, whistle, and kill switch lanyard, can be lifesaving in the event of a jet ski emergency. For example, you could fall off, get stranded, or need to signal for help, making these tools essential.

Proper safety equipment for jet ski riders provides peace of mind and offers assistance when you need it most.

Protect Others on the Water

Reckless jet ski operation poses a danger to swimmers, kayakers, and other boaters. When operating your jet ski, follow all safety guidelines and remain aware of your surroundings. Doing this helps prevent accidents that could harm others.

Enhance Your Confidence and Enjoyment

Riding with confidence is easier when you're well-prepared and understand how to handle your jet ski safely. Then, you can have more fun without spending all your time worrying about potential hazards and risks.

11 Tips for Jet Ski Safety

So, how can you enjoy your personal watercraft (jet ski) safely? Here are 11 great tips to protect yourself and others.

1. Wear a Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket

Always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) when riding a jet ski. It's the most crucial piece of safety gear for preventing drowning. 

2. Use a Safety Lanyard (Kill Switch)

Attach the jet ski's safety lanyard to your wrist or life jacket. If you fall off your jet ski, the lanyard will shut off the engine and stop the PWC from running uncontrolled. 

3. Follow Local Jet Ski Regulations

Different states and waterways have their own rules regarding age restrictions, speed limits, and designated areas for riding. Always check local regulations before you head out, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. 

4. Take a Boating Safety Course

Many states and Canada require jet ski operators to complete a boating safety course (like the course we offer here through Boat-Ed).

Even if you aren't in an area that requires it, a course can help you learn waterway rules, navigation, and emergency procedures. 

5. Maintain a Safe Speed and Distance

Slow down and maneuver carefully, especially if you're new to using a jet ski.

Also, keep your distance from swimmers, docks, obstacles, and other boats to reduce the risk of collisions. A distance of 100 feet is the general guideline.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When riding, constantly scan for other watercraft, obstacles, and changing water conditions. Make sure you aren't riding in restricted zones or shallow water, as you could strike submerged objects. 

7. Never Operate Under the Influence

It's essential to stay sober when using a PWC. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is a big part of jet ski safety.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and balance, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, operating a jet ski while intoxicated is illegal in most places, and you could face fines and other penalties.

8. Use Proper Hand Signals for Communication

When riding in groups or near boaters, use hand signals to communicate turns, stops, or distress situations. It's critical to learn standard, accepted signals to avoid confusion (and collisions). 

9. Check Weather and Water Conditions

The weather can significantly impact your safety when using a jet ski. Before heading out, check for wind speeds, storms, or rough water conditions, and ensure there are no marine warnings for your area.

If there are strong currents or high waves, operating a jet ski can be difficult and dangerous. 

10. Carry Essential Safety Gear

Having the right safety gear can save lives.

You should pack, at a minimum, a whistle or air horn for signaling distress, a waterproof phone or marine radio, a first aid kit, and an emergency tow rope.

11. Practice Reboarding Techniques

Part of jet ski safety requirements include knowing how to reboard.

If you fall off, approach the jet ski from the rear and use the reboarding step. Knowing how to get back onto your PWC safely can prevent exhaustion and panic in open water.

Boost Your Jet Ski Safety With a Boater Education Course

The tips we shared today are a great start to prioritizing safety on your jet ski every time you launch!

Before taking off on your jet ski, make sure you've also taken a boater education course. Boat-Ed offers state and Canada-approved online courses to help you learn everything you need, like crucial safety and navigation information, boating and PWC etiquette, and much more. Plus, most states and Canada require jet ski operators to pass a course and carry a boater education card.

So, before you hit the water on your jet ski this summer, take the Boat-Ed course for your state or our course for Canadians and put safety first!