Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Personal Watercraft Safety Course

the PWC will continue in the original direction of travel even if the operator turns the handlebars. Without power, the operator will lose steering control of the PWC. Therefore, it is important to be alert and always be prepared to leave enough time to carefully steer away from a person, vessel or object, and to then stop if necessary. Wake Jumping, Spraying and Other Dangerous Moves Jumping the wake of a vessel within 100 feet of that vessel is not allowed. Dangerous moves are not only illegal, but they are also significant contributors to PWC accidents. See the Dangerous Moves section. Alcohol and Drugs Any use of alcohol or drugs will impair your judgment and physical ability to operate your vessel safely. Don’t operate your PWC anytime you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs! Dangerous Moves You, as the operator of a PWC, are in violation of California Boating Law and can be cited for reckless or negligent operation if you perform the following dangerous moves. Citations involve a fine. Local law enforcement may “terminate” your ride – this means you may be forced to leave the waterway for the day or longer. „ „ Tag and turn. This involves sharp and erratic turns in close proximity to other vessels. „ „ Overtaking another vessel at high speeds. „ „ Wake jumping within 100 feet of another vessel. Not only is a collision a possibility, but you may not be able to see someone or something on the other side of the wake. „ „ Spraying your friends, other vessels or people in the water. „ „ Following other boats too closely. Leave a safe distance to allow time to maneuver and avoid a collision. „ „ Riding too closely beside another rider. An unpredicted turn, unexpected wave action or other event could cause a collision. „ „ Operating your PWC in the wake of another boat. The water may be aerated which can affect your steering and maneuverability. „ „ Chasing another PWC in small circles. These types of activities increase the risk of collisions and other accidents. The potential danger and almost certain annoyance to others could lead to conflicts on the water.

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