Operating a Personal Watercraft
Here are some tips to follow when operating a PWC.
- Wear a wetsuit when operating in water less than 15° Celsius.
- Attach the engine shut-off line to the operator’s wrist or lifejacket.
- Do not use your PWC when it is hard to see, such as on foggy days or between sunset and sunrise.
- Do not carry children under 6 years of age on a PWC. Young children do not have the necessary safety skills.
- Be courteous.
- Vary your operating area, and do not keep repeating the same manoeuvre.
- Avoid manoeuvres that cause the engine exhaust to lift out of the water because that increases noise levels.
- Always look behind you over both shoulders before making turns; another boat may be too close behind you.
- Consider the effect you may have on the environment. Avoid high speeds when operating near shore.
- Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from the pump intake area.
- Keep everyone clear of the steering nozzle at the rear of the PWC unless the PWC is shut off. The jet of water exiting the steering nozzle can cause severe internal injuries.
- Have any passenger(s) hold on securely to the person in front of them or to the handholds, while keeping both feet firmly on the footrests.
- Make sure you know how to:
- Roll an overturned PWC to return it to an upright position.
- Reboard the PWC from the rear of the craft.
