As we all know, the use of personal watercraft is the hottest thing in boating. The latest numbers from DMV indicate there are 141,000 personal watercraft registered in California, compared to “just” 114,000 from last year! In Los Angeles County alone, there are over 31,000 PWC. Obviously, with the large number of new persons riding these craft, there is strong need to provide boating safety, education and law enforcement programs throughout the state.

Last year, we had the opportunity to produce a 16 minute video on the safe operation of PWC. Filmed on location at Folsom Lake near Sacramento and Mission Bay in San Diego, we did a lot of boating and, specifically, rode a number of PWCs and talked to many boaters who ride these craft. From this experience, I came away with two impressions: (1) PWCs are FUN, but, (2) there are serious and increasing safety problems with respect to PWC users.

The fun part is that one can ride a small boat with little draft, be close to the water (literally), ride with your friends, manuever quickly and get there fast. The drawback is there are thousands of persons who are riding PWCs for the first time and they are simply not aware of the rules of the road and other safety precautions. This situation has led to a substantial increase in the number of personal watercraft accidents and injuries.

As an example, while we were filming on Folsom Lake, we witnessed one accident where an underage PWC operator slammed into two other young teenagers also on a PWC. The PWC that got hit was taking on water and could not operate so we ended up towing the disabled craft to shore. The kids that got hit were pretty shaken up. Lucky, though – – no broken bones or injuries.

This type of accident is absolutely preventable. How? Keep a sharp look out! Operator inattention in one the major causes of PWC accidents. Operators should keep a 360 degree awareness of other boaters in the water and should never ride too closely with their friends — always leave a way out. Many PWC accidents are also caused by “radical maneuvers” such as wake jumping and spraying down other boaters. The point here is: always operate in safe manner and be considerate of other persons on the water and on the shoreline.

So, what can we do? Well, first, there are some important bills in the California Legislature that are concerned with the operation of PWCs. One is Senate Bill 347 (Thompson), which would prohibit certain unsafe practices by PWC operators such as spraying down another boater, causing another boater to swerve at the last minute, wake jumping within 100 feet of another boat, and night operation.

In addition, SB 545 (Rosenthal) would increase the minimum age for operating a motorboat greater than 15 horsepower from 12 to 16, with specified exceptions. A person 12-15 years of age could operate a motorboat if there were a person 18 years or older also on board. These bills are presently being considered by your representatives in the California Senate and Assembly and the Governor.

As your state boating agency, we are doing all we can to get safety information out to PWC users. We are presently developing a high school curriculum, our PWC safety film is presently being distributed, and we have doubled our law enforcement budget to help aid local counties and cities. We want to make our waterways safe for everyone. If you would like to share your thoughts with me, I would be pleased to discuss any and all PWC issues. I can be reached at (916) 322-1821. And remember — keep a sharp lookout! By David Johnson, Chairman, PWC Task Force: Dept. of Boating and Waterways