Never attempt to board when the engine is running, and keep loose clothing and long hair clear of the pump intake.

Familiarize yourself with the owners’ manual and all safety warnings, paying particular attention to the operation of the jet jump.

There are a few exceptions however, most states will regulate Personal Watercraft like boats, which means a Personal Watercraft needs to be registered, and you may be required to complete a boating safety course (usually accomplished on-line) before you can legally operate the Personal Watercraft .

Some states have a course specific to Personal Watercraft operators. Any other person operating the PWC will need to complete the boating safety course. It’s your responsibility to be aware of state boating regulations.

When out riding your PWC you want to always maintain 360-degree awareness at all times, and keep an eye out for other boaters.

Many newer PWCs have functionality enabling you to switch between neutral, forward, and reverse.

You want to control the throttle, or speed, by using a lever on the right hand grip.

Always use the emergency engine shut-off lanyard—your PWC will not run without one.

When out on your PWC make sure to always wear a Type III PFD (personal floatation device) or a life jacket.

Owners of a PWC should, register their PWC, and complete a boating safety course, if required by their state. Though it is not a bad idea to take the safety course even if your state dose not required one

What is a Draft: ‘Draft’ is the depth of water that your boat needs in order to float freely. The draft is measured as the distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the boat

What is a Waterline: This is the line (on the hull) at which the boat sits in the water when it’s properly loaded with passengers and equipment.

No person shall operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this State at greater than no-wake speed within 100 feet of an anchored or moored vessel, a dock, pier, swim float, marked swimming area, swimmers, surfers, persons engaged angling, or any manually operated propelled vessel (except within 50 feet in a narrow channel)

You can often buy new lifejackets and other boating equipment at a discounted rate early and late in the season. Water sports stores will also occasionally resell used equipment so if you have given up skiing but need new lifejackets you may be able to turn in your old skis for a store credit to purchase the boating equipment that you want.

All watercraft smaller than 26 feet and using any volatile liquid having a flashpoint of 110 degrees or less for fuel shall have on board and readily accessible at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved type B-I fire extinguisher if any of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard engine

• Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored

• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation materials

• Closed living spaces

• Closed stowage compartments in which  combustible or flammable materials are stored

• Permanently installed fuel tanks (fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of fire or other emergency shall be considered
permanently installed)

• A fixed fire extinguishing system installed in the engine compartment All watercraft 26–40 feet long shall have on board and readily accessible:

• At least two type B-I fire extinguishers or at least one type B-II fire extinguisher or

• At least one type B-I fire extinguisher if a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in the engine compartment Watercraft 40–65 feet must carry at least three U.S.  Coast Guard approved type B-I fire extinguishers or at least one B-I and one B-II fire  extinguisher. If a fixed fire extinguisher system is installed in the engine compartment, there must be at least two type B-I or at least one type B-II fire extinguisher on board and readily accessible.