Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Bad Weather You should constantly monitor weather and water conditions as both can change

quickly. Keeping an eye on incoming clouds, noting increasing wind or observing changing water conditions can prevent you becoming a victim of bad weather. If you are caught in bad weather: „ „ Reduce speed. „ „ Proceed with caution.

„ „ Stay calm and head for the nearest safe shore. If the water becomes choppy, head into the waves at about a 45 degree angle. This is the most comfortable way of getting over steep waves and reduces the risk of capsizing. If your PWC capsizes and/or you fall off the vessel Cut-off Switch The moving parts of a PWC are internal, eliminating a propeller injury. However, other injuries and fatalities can occur if a person is struck by a PWC. In the event that a rider falls off the PWC, most have one of the two following safety mechanisms: „ „ A cutoff switch that stops the engine when the operator falls off. „ „ A self-circling device that allows the engine to continue to idle. The steering mechanism will turn all the way to port or starboard causing the PWC to circle slowly nearby. If the PWC capsizes and stops, swim back to the craft and right it in the direction the manufacturer recommends. There is usually a sticker diagram on the stern of the PWC showing the proper direction to right the craft. Failure to right your PWC properly may result in water entering the motor. In either case, the operator and passengers should carefully reboard the PWC. Be careful to avoid the steering nozzle, water intakes and any other part of the PWC that may cause injury. Be sure to remember to reconnect the lanyard in order to restart the engine. Always watch for oncoming vessels while righting and re-boarding the PWC.

30