RideNow Powersports carries a wide range of Watercraft available from all the popular brands like Sea-Doo, Yamaha Waverunner, Kawasaki Jet Ski, Scarab Boats, and more. With the dog days of summer almost here, this means plenty of sun, sand, and surf.

For aquatic adventurers, the summer season also means plenty of time out on the water. One exhilarating watersport that many folks enjoy is riding their Jet Boat or personal watercraft. While these nimble, little machines can be fun, they’re also quite dangerous.

6 Tips for Safely Riding The Water This Summer

In order to make the most of your time while aboard a jet ski, it’s essential to stay safe. Follow these six jet ski safety tips to avoid accidents while riding the waves.

Always Wear a Life Jacket

Even the most experienced swimmers are susceptible to dangerous undercurrents. It’s not only smart to wear a life jacket but it also might be a law or boating requirement in your state. These inflatable, buoyant jackets will keep you afloat in the water. Always wear a life jacket that snugly fits. Wearing a life jacket that’s too big can be pushed toward your face by the water, making it difficult to float and even breathe. Life jackets are especially important for young children to wear.

Other safety gear you should wear includes a watercraft helmet, a whistle, eye protection, and a safety lanyard. The lanyard will cut off the

jet ski engine if you fall off the machine. 

Properly Maintain Your Personal Watercraft PWC

If you own a jet ski as opposed to renting one, keep it properly maintained. A sudden equipment failure or malfunction can quickly cause an accident. Always check your steering, hand controls, oil, and fuel levels. Always start the engine on land before you launch. If you’re getting your ski out of its winter storage, make sure you do a full inspection before taking it out on the water. By the way, RideNow service centers across the country can always perform a free inspection before you take it out. Contact us.

Use a Jet Ski Lift

You should not leave your jet ski in the water when it’s not in use for long periods of time. This can cause extra wear and tear and lead to engine failure. Always dry dock your jet ski after an enjoyable time out on the water. PWC floating lifts will raise the jet ski out of the water when it’s docked and protect it from marine life, water damage, and more.

Ride Safely

There are a few jet-skiing etiquettes that you should always abide by. You should not ride your jet ski at night. Never ride your PWC while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never speed through slow or “No Wake” zones and always keep a safe distance between yourself and other boats or swimmers and always pass with caution. A wake from a large boat or another jet ski can block your view of oncoming traffic.

Take a Boater’s Safety Course

While more than 40 states require jet ski riders to complete a formal PWC training course, it’s always a smart decision to take a safety class. These classes will teach you the basic skills needed to operate a jet ski safely. These machines are very capable nowadays and need to make sure you understand how to operate one as powerful as the Sea-Doo RXP-X or Kawasaki Ultra 310 Models.

Jet Ski Safety Accessories

Consider stocking up on PWC safety accessories, including a waterproof phone case, traction mats, and folding paddles if you run out of fuel. Some states also require you to have an onboard fire extinguisher, horn, or whistle and the proper registration stickers. If towing a wakeboard or water skier, a spotter with an orange flag may be required. Always know the local rules and laws before heading out to the water.

Staying Safe This Summer

Summer is the season of fun. However, an important component of having fun is staying safe. Follow these six jet skiing safety tips, including wearing the right gear and never speeding to avoid a potential accident. Got an old PWC, Boat, or watercraft that you’re looking to sell or trade in? We can help you with that too.