PWC Safety
With the usual happy advertisements of attractive people cruising around on their personal watercrafts, wind in their hair and spray of the sea in their face, it’s easy to think that PWCs are all fun and games. And, yes, they’re pretty fun, and it’s hard to not have a good time while riding one. But they’re also powerful machines that can be dangerous for those who don’t make safety a priority. The combination of high speeds, unpredictable other boaters, and water sitting between you in the shore if something happens, it’s important to take PWC safety seriously. This guide is designed to help you do just that.
Remember, if you need a new PWC, Woods Fun Center can help. Located in Austin, Texas, we proudly serve the areas of Round Rock, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, Texas.
Do Your Homework
A key element of safety is preparation. Just because you wake up to a sunny morning doesn’t mean the afternoon will be totally clear and storm free. Make sure to take a moment to check the weather forecast for the area where you’re planning to ride. If you’re planning on riding in the ocean, try to find more ocean-specific weather forecasts which will give more detailed models for the changing weather patterns. Once you’re confident in the weather, make sure you’re confident in your equipment. Give your Sea-Doo or Waverunner a visual inspection to make sure the hull is damage free, the jet drive is clear, and the engine is free of any obvious damage. Go ahead and check out the engine oil, too, which is a step far too many forget and when neglected can lead to serious engine problems.
Be Careful Towing
For most people, every trip out on the PWC will also require a trip to the water, and that will involve towing. Towing a PWC trailer isn’t quite as challenging as towing a horse trailer or other large cargo, but it certainly adds some challenges to your normal drive. For one, you’ll need to use your mirrors a whole lot more than you might normally. Just about every turn will require you look back to make sure your trailer isn’t hopping a curb or clipping an object on the inside of the turn. Learning to back up will also take some practice since trailers will turn the opposite direction you expect. A good way to handle this is to practice parking the trailer in your driveway at home from multiple different angles. When you get good at this, you’ll have a much easier time once you get to the boat ramp.
Don’t Forget Your Safety Equipment
Out on the water, safety equipment is your best friend. If you’re planning on doing any PWC jumping or high-speed riding, you might want to invest in a helmet. While not all riders use these, they can be lifesaving in certain situations, especially if you end up in the air during a crash. A engine shutoff lanyard will also prove extremely helpful in these situations so your Waverunner or Sea-Doo doesn’t keep moving if you get thrown. Finally, and most obviously, you, and every passenger who rides with you, should have a fitted life jacket.
Be Considerate to Other Boaters
When you ride, it’s important to stay within your limits and not overestimate your own riding abilities because when you do, accidents tend to happen. But what can be even more important is to be considerate of other boaters. While you might think you can safely cruise past another rider or pass another boat on the river, you never know when they’ll be trying to zig as you zag, leading to a collision. Give other boaters plenty of space to move, and always alert them to your presence when approaching from behind by honking your horn or blowing a whistle. If they have a swimmer in the water, slow way down and don’t pick up the speed until you’re well clear. Try to give fisherman plenty of room, too, as the noise and vibration of a PWC can easily spook fish.
If you are considerate to other riders, bring the proper gear, and plan ahead, you’ll have a much better chance of staying safe on the water. And never forget to stay within your limits and have fun! When you’re ready to look at some of the best new models of PWC from top brands like Waverunner, Sea-Doo, and Yamaha, stop by Woods Fun Center in Austin, Texas. We’re conveniently located for riders in Round Rock, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, Texas.