Safety Tips on Jet Skis

Do you also think a Jet ski is a Toy?

For the adventurous jet skiing is a very exciting and fun activity to enjoy. Jet Skis are small which means they can be maneuvered easily and they are fast – very fast!  Just hop on, start it, twist the throttle and away you go – flying across the water, creating spray every time that you shift your body. It is considered a boy’s toy, but you will be making a big mistake to treat it as a toy.

Realistically speaking jet skis are not any more dangerous than any other water craft.  It is the way in which people operate them and an apparent lack of common courtesy that causes problems Under the law, a personal water craft such as a jet ski,  is a motorboat. It has to be registered and abide by all the rules that the other boats must adhere to. It is also required from the operator to carry safety equipment which  include fire extinguishers and life jackets.

Jet skis are highly manoeuvrable and faster than most speed boats.  They can provide hours of fun and good times when used in a safe manner.  Some people even describe them as a motorcycle for the water. One of the reasons why jet skis are so popular is that they are much less expensive to buy than boats. Jet skiing is a lot of fun, but unfortunately there are some inexperienced drivers out there who simply don’t know that their improper behaviour can get them into serious trouble. The inexperience of operators is responsible for 95 percent of all the jet ski accidents with speed and the incorrect operating techniques (specifically in throttle operation) being the two common factors in those accidents.

Safety Tips when operating jet skis

If you don’t want to become part of the 95 percent responsible for jet ski accidents – follow these safety tips:

1. Check the Regulations and make sure that you know and adhere to them.


2. Read the owner’s manual so that you can fully understand the controls and features of your jet ski and take at least one lesson before getting onto it.


3. Wear the proper safety equipment which includes an approved life jacket and eye protection to keep the spray from the water from obscuring your vision.


4. Wear shoes that offer excellent control on your machine.  Gloves and a wet suit is also a good idea because it offers you protection from the elements.


5. Attach a whistle to the life jacket just in case you need to summon help.


6. Never ever operate your jet ski without the safety lanyard attached to you. It cuts the engine in case you fall and could save you a long tiresome swim home.


7. All persons who use or are towed by a jet ski must wear a Personal Flotation Device.


8. Stay out of the swimming areas and away from any wildlife.


9. You are surely looking for trouble if you operate at night, or with two skiers.


10. Wearing a safety helmet is not a bad idea at all.


11. Be courteous and keep a lookout for other craft on the water, especially the sail boats. It is recommende that you  stay at least 100 feet away from them to avoid collisions.


12. Respect the rights of others watercraft users – don’t follow boats too closely or jump a boat’s wake.


13. Stay far away from the anglers and canoeists.


14. Be conscious of the noise that your jet ski makes.


15. Never operate your jet ski after you’ve been drinking.

1. Know the water that you’re operating in so that you can avoid rocks, weeds, sandbars and other obstacles in the water.

 

Visit our showroom at Nelspruit ATV to view the wide range of new and second hand jet skis for sale. We are one of the largest dealers in the Lowveld in Jetskis and other watercraft for sale.

Safety Tips on Jet Skis