Safety Checklist for Personal Watercraft

General Operation

I understand that the PWC I am renting is a high-performance boat, not a toy, and as such I will carefully observe and follow the instructions and safety rules I receive from my rental operator.

I will ensure I have enough gas for my return back to the rental livery. I understand a good rule of thumb regarding fuel use is one-third out, one-third back in, and one-third in reserve.

Safety Equipment

I will pay close attention to the required safety equipment instructions provided by my rental livery operator so that I am able to use it in the case of an emergency.

Life Jackets/Protective Wear

I will ensure my passengers and I each have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket that is the proper size for the intended wearer, is in good and serviceable condition (including straps and zippers) and is properly stowed.

I understand that the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that I always wear a life jacket while underway on a boat and that many states require life jacket wear while operating a PWC. It is my responsibility to check with my livery operator or local Marine Patrol agency regarding state requirements.

I understand that it is highly recommended to wear protective clothing such as a wet suit or wet suit bottom while operating the PWC due to the risk of internal injuries if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into the water or being near the jet thrust nozzle.

Starting/Stopping the PWC

Before starting the engine, I will securely attach the engine shut-off cord / lanyard to my wrist or life jacket and wear it at all times, keeping it free from the handlebars so that if I fall off of the PWC, the engine will stop.

I understand that in order to turn off the engine, I need to push the stop button. I understand that the throttle controls the speed of my PWC. I understand that I should apply the throttle lever on the handle to accelerate and release it to slow down.

Braking/Stopping

I understand that stopping the engine will not stop the forward motion of the PWC, and that on most PWC’s, steering control is lost when the throttle is released or when the engine is turned off.

Riding at Night

I will not ride at night, as I understand that my PWC does not come equipped with navigation lights and most states do not allow PWC operation at night.

Safe Operation

When operating my PWC, I will maintain a proper lookout and scan constantly with sight and hearing, being alert for conditions that limit my visibility or block my vision of others..

I will always operate my PWC at safe speeds, taking into consideration the conditions around me, including other boats, weather, and visibility.

I will refrain from weaving through vessels that are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor while exceeding a reasonable speed. I will not operate my PWC at an excessive speed in a slow speed area or in a swimming area with swimmers present.

Negligent Operation

I will avoid making sharp turns and other maneuvers that make it difficult for others to avoid colliding with me or to understand where I am going.

I will not jump wakes or waves, nor will I steer toward an object or person and then turn sharply in close proximity to that object or person in order to spray or attempt to spray them with the wash or jet spray of the watercraft, as this is unsafe operation.

Towing

I will not tow with my PWC unless my PWC is designed and equipped for towing.

I have been notified by my rental livery operator about state/local requirements related to towing.

Children and PWC’s

I have been notified by my rental livery operator what the minimum age requirement is for children to operate a PWC, and I understand that just because a child can reach the throttle of a PWC doesn’t mean that they should.

Jet Drive Intake

I understand that the jet drive intake has tremendous suction and will pull loose items, such as long hair, sand, stones, fishing line, loose clothing, or life jacket straps through the jet drive. I will keep these objects away from the intake grate.

I will not apply the throttle when anyone is standing or swimming anywhere near the PWC.

Capsizing

If I capsize in open water, I understand I should swim to the rear of the PWC and turn it upright. I am aware that a most PWC’s have a decal at the bottom or rear of the vessel that indicates the direction to roll your PWC to return it to an upright position.

Personal Watercraft

Keeping Your BOATING Experience Fun And Safe