It is expected that PWC operators will fall overboard as a normal part of operation
Several operating characteristics distinguish PWC. It is expected that PWC operators will fall overboard as a normal part of operation. For this reason, most models have safety lanyards or “kill switches” that are connected to the operator’s wrist to ensure that the vessel stops when the operator falls off. It is also expected that PWC will roll over in the water; in effect, they capsize on a regular basis. PWC owners manuals include procedures for uprighting a capsized vessel.
According to an international group working on PWC guidelines, in traditional boats, falling overboard would be considered the first event of a boating accident, and capsizing and swamping are also considered to be boating accidents or emergency situations. But for PWC, these are expected events; consequently, PWC are designed and constructed with somewhat different objectives than traditional boats.