Personal Watercraft Safety
A personal watercraft (PWC) is one of the best ways to turn a day on the water into a high-speed adventure, but they’re also a safety risk. After all, these are small, uncovered, and fast machines that you ride on one of nature’s least predictable surfaces! We here at RideNow SoCal want to help you have fun without endangering yourself, so we’ve put together some tips for personal watercraft safety. To see the personal watercraft we have for sale, or to learn more about riding, contact our store in Vista, California, today!
Safety Gear
One of the most important parts of PWC safety is what you wear. You’ll need to start with a well-fitted life jacket. No matter how comfortable you are swimming, a life jacket is a necessity. If you hit your head or get dazed, you won’t be doing any backstrokes—but a life jacket will still keep you afloat.
Remember to attack the engine shut-off switch to your life jacket. That way, if you fall off the PWC, the engine will turn off immediately. You also want to make sure you can see as well as possible. Throw on a pair of shades if it’s super sunny, and consider getting a retainer to help keep your sunglasses on you even if they fall off your nose.
Falling Well
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned vet, there’s always the chance you’ll fall off your PWC. If you find yourself falling, try to hit the water rear-first. In any emergency, remain on your PWC unless it’s actively unsafe and use a horn, whistle, radio, or other device to call attention to yourself.
Proper Maintenance
Your equipment will only keep you safe if it’s properly cared-for. Keeping up with regular maintenance ensures all failsafes and safety measures your PWC is equipped with will work when they need to, and that it won’t just die in the middle of the water. Your owner’s manual will have a recommended maintenance schedule, and it’s best to stick to it. You should also inspect your PWC before and after every use to look for obvious damage or warning signs.
Focus
Always get a good night’s sleep before a PWC ride. It requires an immense amount of focus to keep you aboard and going where you mean to, so also avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before heading out. Finally, keep yourself hydrated and well-fed to keep yourself from feeling weak or woozy.
Ready to hit the water? Contact us at RideNow SoCal to learn more about PWC safety, or to see what we’ve got in stock. We proudly serve the people San Diego and El Cajon, California—let us serve you today!