A Course for Safe Boating
Chapter 4 u Personal Watercraft
Dangerous Moves (cont.) Operating your PWC in another boat’s wake—the water may be whipped to
45-DEGREE ANGLE
a froth, which can affect how you steer. Chasing another PWC in small circles.
Bad Weather If you’re caught in bad weather: Reduce speed. Proceed with caution. Head for the nearest safe shore landing area. If the water becomes choppy, head into the waves at a slant, or about a 45-degree angle as shown to the left. Rescue The moving parts of a PWC are inside the craft, reducing your chances for injury. If a rider falls off a personal watercraft, most of the craft have one of the two following safety devices: A cutoff switch will stop the engine when the operator falls off. Or the engine will continue to idle and the steering mechanism will turn all the way to port or starboard, making the PWC circle slowly nearby if the operator falls off. In either case, the operator should carefully climb aboard the PWC. If the vessel has a lanyard, remember to reconnect it in order to restart the engine. If your PWC capsizes: Right the craft the way the manufacturer recommends. Look for the label with this information on the stern of the PWC. Board and restart the engine after you have connected the lanyard to the cut-off switch. If your PWC has stalled and will not restart: Wait a few minutes before trying to restart. The engine may be “flooded” or the fuel line may be clogged. Do not attempt to repair the engine while you’re on the water. If the watercraft will not restart, stay with the PWC until help comes. Wave your arms, or use a whistle, mirror or other signaling device stored on board to attract attention.
WEBSITE For information on a PWC Safety Course, visit www.dbw.ca.gov/ PWCsafety
98
California Boating A Course for Safe Boating
Made with FlippingBook