Personal Watercraft Safety

It’s not difficult to enjoy yourself on a personal watercraft. It’s like a boat, but without the weird fishing accidents, or motorcycle without the perilous traffic conditions. But that’s not to say that riding a personal watercraft is a perfectly safe activity. With all that power and speed, you can certainly get yourself into some trouble if you don’t keep your own safety in mind. This is especially important because there are some safety concerns that are unique to PWCs that you might not be able to pick up from other types of powersports. Here at Cool Springs Powersports, we want our customers to stay safe at all times, and that’s why we created this guide to PWC safety. Read on to learn our recommendations, and if you are in the market for a new PWC, stop by our dealership and showroom near Nashville, Tennessee.

Before You Head Out

Personal watercraft safety starts before you ever get to the lake, river, or ocean. First, make sure to check the weather report. A sunny morning doesn’t always lead to a sunny afternoon, and weather conditions can change rapidly. You don’t want to get caught under a cloudburst, or worse, an unforeseen squall. It’s also helpful to take some time to inspect your PWC before you ride it. Check the hull for any cracking or damage and make sure the engine has enough oil. Look for any sign that something might be amiss. Something as simple as a loose plug wire could lead to a dead engine when you get out on the water, and you don’t want to attempt engine repairs as you float out to see.

Check Your Gear

Safety gear can save your life when riding a PWC. The most obvious piece of safety equipment is a life jacket, which should be worn by the driver and any passengers. Make sure to use the athletic type of lifejacket that wraps fully around your torso as opposed to the kind that hangs around your neck and is secured with a chest strap. It’s helpful to make sure your PWC horn works, too, and if it doesn’t, invest in a simple referee’s whistle so that you can communicate with other watercraft. Sunglasses can be helpful too, but make sure to use a pair with UV protective coating to shield your eyes from dangerous UV rays that reflect off the water.

On the Drive

Driving with a trailer comes with its own set of potential hazards. All that added weight will increase your inertia, meaning you’ll need much more time to slow than you would in a normal car. For this reason, give yourself about double the space between yourself and the next car that you normally would. Your vehicle will obviously be much longer, so make sure to use your mirrors when you turn to make sure you don’t hit anything. Try to avoid passing other vehicles on the freeway if possible, as a trailer can get squirly in the backdraft of semi-trucks and other vehicles. You can practice your towing skills in an empty parking lot if you’re not confident about taking your trailer on a full trip.

Launching from the Boat Ramp

When it’s time to launch your PWC, make sure to get it ready to ride away before it’s your turn to launch. Undo any safety straps and have your dock tie-off rope ready. Make sure you’re already changed into your riding gear and you have your life jacket, helmet, sunglasses, and everything else ready to go. Reverse trailer down the ramp until the fenders of your trailer are submerged in water and your PWC is floating. Put your tow vehicle in park and lock in the parking brake. Then, unhook the winch line and ride your PWC to a place where you can tie it off until you’re ready to ride. If possible, let someone else do the driving if you’re going to be the rider so that they can pull the truck away as soon as the PWC is free.

Basic Safe Riding Practices

Make sure to follow any laws and regulations in your area regarding the riding of a personal watercraft. These can vary greatly from place to place, so familiarize yourself with each new location’s rules. Always ride sober and avoid riding while on medications that could affect your motor skills. Stay within your limits and don’t ride faster than you know you can control. It’s also important to stay clear of other boaters and riders, and if someone has a swimmer in the water flag up, stay clear of the area.

Hopefully this gave you an introduction to basic PWC safety practices. If you’re currently looking for your next PWC, stop by Cool Springs Powersports in Nashville, Tennessee. We’re conveniently located near Franklin, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Dickson, and Hendersonville, Tennessee.