Inconsiderate behavior of some PWC operators continues to be an issue
Despite improvements to PWC design and safety, the improper, careless and inconsiderate behavior of some operators continues to be an issue for safety officials, boaters and marine resource users. For example, PWC riders launching or operating near public beaches can jeopardize swimmers and annoy beachgoers, while riders zig-zagging through congested waters or jumping boat wakes increase the likelihood of collisions, injuries and property damage.
Although occurrences of these behaviors have not been quantified and are not unique to these vessels, but the operational behaviors of PWC riders have been closely scrutinized in recent years. Boating safety studies show that, depending on state-specific boating education requirements, PWC operators may be lacking adequate boating education and experience.
For example, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that over 80% of boaters and PWC users have never received any type of boating instruction (1998) and the American Red Cross reports that PWC use is highest among boaters with little or no experience (1991). This inexperience is due, in part, to the fact that PWC are relatively easy for aspiring boaters to access. According to research, PWC are more likely to be rented or borrowed than any other vessel and almost half of PWC renters have operated a PWC only once or never (Mangione et al. 2000).
