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They’re fun recreational activities on the water, but you still have to obey the rules. Whether you’re operating a personal watercraft (PWC) or being towed behind one, make safety your number one priority. State Farm recommends the following safety tips for water sports.
- Participate in a water or boater safety course.
- Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Always let someone know where you’re going before you head out.
Water skiing
- Inspect your equipment.
- Avoid skiing in shallow water or on small or busy lakes.
- Review hand signals. Typically, an extended right or left hand indicates the direction to turn, a thumbs up or down directs drivers to adjust speed and a raised palm means stop.
- When you’re down, hold up a ski to make yourself visible.
Jet skiing
- Keep the ignition safety switch lanyard on your wrist or hooked to your life jacket. This cuts power to the engine if you fall off.
- Be sure you meet your state’s minimum operating age and education requirements.
- Follow basic boating rules and practice proper boating etiquette.
- Keep your feet inside the PWC, and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars or the strap on a 3-seat jet ski.
- Ride defensively. Scan for boats and objects in your path, and drive at responsible speeds. Remember, most PWCs don’t have a braking system, and you’ll lose steering capability when the power is off.
Learn more about personal watercraft safety from the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. Contact your State Farm Agent to make sure your watercraft is properly insured.
