Riding a jet ski is probably one of the most exciting things you can do on the water. But the truth is, many people don’t think before they hop on. Courtesy of safetyresource.org, here are some tips to help you safely enjoy one of summer’s most fun water activities:
- It would be best if you had a life jacket.
- Use the vehicle’s safety precautions. For some jet skis, that means a lanyard placed around the wrist, attaching you to the handlebars of the watercraft. Often referred to as a kill cord, the string operates a kill switch when the operator goes overboard, deactivating your ride. Without a kill cord, your jet ski could continue to operate without you in control and hurt someone else in the process.
- Stay alert. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment once you get a hand in handling the jet ski. But other boats, skiers, divers, or swimmers could be in your area.
- Don’t drink and jet. This should be obvious, but it’s not always the case. The possibility of injury just isn’t worth the risk. Of course, the same rules apply while being a passenger, too. Intoxication for anyone involved is just a distraction.
- Don’t get cocky. So you’ve noticed a passing motorboat and the waves it has left behind. Using these waves as a ramp or launching point could send you and your jet ski flying in the wrong direction or, even worse, upside down.
- Different models make a difference. Please get familiar with the jet ski you’re riding and take it for a test spin with someone who knows what’s up. Never assume that you’ll “get the swing of it.” Because the scary truth of it all is that one assumption could cost you your life.
