Personal watercraft (PWC), more commonly referred to as jet-skis, are becoming increasingly popular for water recreation enthusiasts.  More convenient than boats for many reasons, including size, cost, maneuverability, and towing requirements, more than 1.5 million PWC are registered in the United States.

The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) "was created to bring together companies that manufacture personal watercraft in order to promote safe and responsible operation of personal watercraft and work with federal, state and local agencies which have regulatory responsibilities for recreational boating."

PWIA is encouraging state Legislatures to adopt PWIA's model legislation requiring mandatory boater education for all PWC operators, a minimum age requirement of 16 years old to operate a PWC, sunset curfews, and reckless operation restrictions, as well as other regulations designed to keep our waterways safer.

To encourage safety when riding PWC, PWIA offers the following safety guidelines:

• All riders must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
• Stay alert and constantly scan all directions for other boats, skiers, swimmers and other personal watercraft.
• Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep a safe distance away from people, objects, and other watercraft.
• Avoid wave jumping and passing close to any other boats.
• Ride within your limits and avoid aggressive maneuvers to reduce the risk of loss of control, ejection, and collision.
• Securely attach engine stop to your wrist or lifejacket and keep attached at all times.
• DO NOT consume alcohol before or during operation of a PWC.

 

More Information:

• Boating Accidents