PWC SAFETY TIPS
The summer is here again for you to hit the water in your PWC! There’s nothing more intense than the kind of riding you can do in the water, where you can experience the power of a sporty marine motor blended with the refreshing environment, but all that excitement needs to be curbed with careful regard for safety. There are other people riding out there too, so you should do everything you can to protect yourself and others while still having fun. We’ve provided some tips for you here, but if you have any other questions about proper personal watercraft riding practices, come talk to us at Campers RV Center. Our dealership in Shreveport, LA also sells plenty of new and used PWC, so don’t hesitate to stop by!
Personal Flotation Device and Helmet
You can’t be safe without safety gear, so start by making sure you and everyone on board has a lifejacket before hitting the water. It doesn’t matter how good you are at swimming, everyone needs a life jacket. If you’re doing more intense riding, you should also get a helmet. You never know when a tough wave or other obstacle could cause you to be thrown from your personal watercraft, so protect your head with a good helmet.
Equipment for your Vehicle
Your PWC also needs to be equipped with the right gear, such as a lanyard to connect to your ignition. Strap the lanyard to your lifejacket or somewhere else on your person so the motor shuts off in case you fall. All personal watercraft also must have some sort of signal, such as a whistle or horn, that can be heard from a distance to help you when you’re in distress. Also, emergencies can happen far away from shore, so be prepared with a first aid kit. If someone gets hurt out there, you want to be able to take care of them before getting back to land.
Ride Sober
You wouldn’t drive drunk, and PWC are more difficult to operate than an automobile, so why would you ride drunk? You’ve heard that alcohol impairs your judgement and reaction time when driving a car, and the same applies to personal watercraft riding. There are always unpredictable obstacles in the water and tough turns you’ll have to navigate from time to time, so don’t ruin someone else’s experience by being careless with alcohol.
Follow Rules and Regulations
There are several legal regulations regarding riding practices, and you should make sure you abide all of them respectfully. First of all, your PWC has capacity restrictions for a reason, and it’s unsafe to try overloading. Also pay careful attention to no-wake zones. You don’t want to disrupt the waters around people’s houses and other boaters trying to enjoy leisurely strolling. When riding out in the water, be respectful of other vehicles by keeping your distance, yielding right of way to those who have it, and operating at an appropriate speed for the area. Finally, if you’re new to your craft, make sure you’re aware of all the controls and how to operate it before heading out. You don’t want to be caught in the water without knowing what you’re doing!
Keep your PWC in Good Shape
There’s plenty you can do in the water to stay safe, but there are also a few things you should keep in mind when you’re home. Equipment failure can cause accidents, so you should keep an eye out for mechanical issues on your PWC. Inspect your battery, fluids, cables, and connections, and also look for leaks before and after every ride. If you notice any issues with your personal watercraft but don’t know what they are or how to fix them, don’t hesitate to bring it into our service department.
You can never be too safe, and the only way to enjoy riding a PWC is to make sure you follow rules and safety guidelines. It’ll make the experience better for you and everyone around you. If you have any more questions though, or need to get another PWC, visit Campers RV Center in Shreveport, LA, near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe. Our dealership sells new and used personal watercraft, and we also serve the areas of Tyler, Longview, and Marshall, TX.