Personal Watercraft and Boater Safety Tips

Check out these safety tips before hitting the water this season on your Personal Watercraft or Boat. 

• Know and understand all operational features of the craft you are riding – read and follow your Operator's Guide.
• Ensure your watercraft is Coast Guard-compliant and has all required equipment.
• Securely attach engine cutoff lanyard to your wrist or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Keep attached at all times.
•  All watercraft riders must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD. The operator and passenger(s) of watercraft must wear protective clothing, including:
  • A wet suit bottom or thick, tightly woven, snug-fitting clothing that provides equivalent protection. Thin bike shorts for example would not be appropriate. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into water or being near jet thrust nozzle.    
  • Normal swim wear does not adequately protect against forceful water entry into the lower body opening(s) of males or females.
  • Footwear, gloves and goggles/glasses are also recommended. Some type of lightweight, flexible foot protection is recommended. This will help reduce possible injury, should you step on sharp underwater objects.
• Know your vessel’s capacity – don't overload.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Constantly look in all directions for skiers, divers, swimmers and other boats or watercraft.
• Keep a safe distance! Avoid wake jumping, splashing and passing close to any other vessels.
• Know the waters you will be operating in and observe all applicable federal, state and local boating laws.
• Know the weather conditions – tune into your local forecast.
• Stay clear of all restricted areas.
• Obey ALL posted signs, such as "NO WAKE," "RIGHT OF WAY," "IDLE" and other navigation signs.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating a watercraft or boat.
• All operators must be of legal age to operate the craft you will be riding.
• BRP recommends a minimum operator of 16 years of age to ride.
• Always operate at a safe speed and be prepared to stop or alter course in emergencies. Ride within your limits, and allow sufficient distance to stop.
• Whether you're heading in or out, always maintain a slow speed until you're in a clear area, away from shore.
• Know and understand right-of-way rules.
• Remember you need throttle power to steer.
• Stay in sight of shore, but avoid operating too close to residential and congested areas. Be considerate of others who share the waterways.
• A boating safety course is strongly recommended.