Postby TTJSRF » May 21st, 2010, 7:52 pm
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
1.) Each person operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear an approved non-inflatable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device. Inflatable personal flotation devices are NOT recommended.
2.) The operator of a personal watercraft must attach the engine cutoff switch lanyard (if equipped by the manufacturer) to his/her person, clothing, or PFD.
3.) Personal watercrafts should not be operated from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.
4.) Maneuvering a personal watercraft by weaving through congested vessel traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably close or when visibility around the vessel is obstructed, or swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision is classified as reckless operation of a vessel.
5.) It is advised that you have a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency on your PWC.
6.) It is advised that in case of emergency, you have some form of communication or means of sending a signal (Radio, cellular phone, flare gun, etc)
7.) Proper footwear, eye wear, wet body suit are advised to be worn.
8.) Having a proper rope on board your PWC is greatly advised especially in case of an emergency for either your PWC or others, it can be used for towing.
9.) When riding with other PWCs, try avoid riding in each other blind spots especially directly behind each other! Ride at safe distances apart in good view of each other. DO NOT follow directly behind other watercrafts or boats.
10.) Try riding closer to the coastline rather than out in the open sea.
11.) When operating your watercraft, scan constantly for people, objects or boats.
12.) Operate defensively at safe speeds.
13.) DO NOT go near others to spray or splash them.
14.) Avoid sharp turns to make it difficult for others to understand where you're going.
15.) DO NOT jump wakes or waves, as you could impact with another boat or impact your body on the watercraft.
16.) You should not operate your PWC in rough water, bad weather or poor visibility.
17.) You should not ride your watercraft in remote areas alone, if you're riding further than swimming distance to shore, be sure to be accompanied by another boat.
18.) Never ride in water less than two (2) feet deep. You may suck in debris in your jet or hitting an underwater obstacle.
16.) Always ride within your limits!
17.) Always keep your two feet on the PWC's foot rest floor.
18.) Passengers should always hold on firmly to either the person in front or the passenger handles. Never allow a passenger to ride in front the operator.
19.) If you or your passenger is in pregnant or in poor health, seek advice from your doctor before riding.
20.) NEVER operate your PWC after consuming alcohol or drugs!
