PWC Safety Tips

co-written with John Moore

What a great summer. Despite the rain I was able to get out on the river ALL THE TIME. I don't regret getting my new Seadoo PWC one little bit. I really threw myself into the sport and got a lot out of it in return. I took the sport very seriously and I had a healthy respect for the dangers involved with the sport. I must say that the only part of the active Seadoo lifestyle that I found distasteful wer a small number of other riders you behave carelessly out on the water. Not only do they endanger themselves and their passengers but they also endanger me and act to give Seadoo PWC riders a bad name. Thankfully it is a small percentage of riders who behave recklessly.

There are only a handful of water safety rules, that if followed, make the sport safe and enjoyable for all. The first and most important rule is to wear a life jacket at all times. Buy and wear a PFD that is properly fitted for your age,size, height and weight.Properly approved PFDs will have a label on the inside indicating that they have met certain safety standards. This sounds simple enough but you would be surprised by the number of idiots who don't wear one. I guess they don't want tan lines.

Don't drink and ride. Never mix booze and riding a Seadoo pwc. In fact, you should never mix alcohol with any type of boating or motorized activity. Sounds simple enough. There is plenty of time to enjoy a few cold beverages after you get off the water. Being drunk on a Seadoo is dumb. It is both dumb and very unsafe.

One thing I noticed this summer is that young kids tend to pile on 3 or 4 people on a Seadoo. It looks like they are going to sink. It is a great way to wear out your Seadoo seat covers. Don't overload your personal watercraft. Generally, Seadoos are designed for 2 people. That means they can safely accommodate 2 people. Sounds simple enough. If you absolutely need to have 2 passengers plus a driver then go slow and only do so in familiar waters.

Another common sense rule involves towing people behind your Seadoo. Don't tow anyone, ever, without a spotter. Again, this is just common sense. Whenever you tow people behind your Seadoo PWC (whether it is on water skis or a tube or a knee board) make sure you have a mature spotter that understands the importance and role of being a spotter. Oh, and make sure you have a proper tow rope. Having a tow rope snap is very dangerous and unpleasant.

My next safety rule is in a bit of a grey area. In my humble opinion, riding a Seadoo PWC is a day time sport. To me that just makes sense. Although most PWCs are equipped with lights (it's the law), it is very dangerous to ride a Seadoo at night. Water hazards such as rocks, shoals, buoys, swimmers and driftwood are nearly impossible to see at night. Just say no to night time riding.

For those of you, like me, that are in love with the sport, riding a Seadoo is one of the biggest highs of the summer. It is an inexpensive and super fun activity. Follow some common sense safety guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you.

Happy Riding.