 FACTS
ON PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
• A Personal Watercraft, otherwise
known as a jetski, is a powerboat.
• You and your craft are subject to
the same safe boating concerns and regulations
as other boaters.
• A personal watercraft is powered
by a waterjet pump rather than an external
propellor.
• These Boats are operated by a person
positioned on rather than within the confines
of the hull.
• Some personal watercraft are designed
for single riders, others for two or more
people. |
WATER
SMART RESPONSIBILITIES
• As a personal watercraft
rider, practice safe boating;
• Assume the responsibility for the
safe operation of this powerboat and the
safety of my passengers.
• Respect the rights of others in,
on and near the water.
• Practice personal watercraft operation
under the instruction of a mature and experienced
rider.
|
| RECKLESSNESS
SPOILS THE FUN OF IT ALL
Most personal watercraft incidents result
from COLLISIONS caused by riders who are....
• CARELESS
• OVERCONFIDENT
• INEXPERIENCED
Always operate your personal watercraft
safely and responsibly, and in accordance
with the manufacture's directions. Riding
takes practice. Allow plenty of time to
learn how to safely operate your personal
watercraft. |
RIDE
SMART - RIDE SOBER
Never operate your personal watercraft under
the influence of alcohol. Alcohol impairs
your ability to make good quick decisions
- and execute them. Qualities which are
critical when driving a fast and manoeuvrable
vessel like a personal watercraft. There
are severe penalties for driving a vehicle
- under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- why should things be different when you
are riding a jetski? |
YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
or lifejackets, approved to British Standards,
are required by law for each person on board.
Since there is unlikely to be room to store
PFDs on board, riders must wear them. Remember,
that a wetsuit
can provide rider comfort and protection
against cold, but it is not an approved
PFD. |
LEARN
THE RULES OF THE WATER
Stay well clear of other boats and yield
to them since they are less manoeuvrable.
When in the vicinity of other boats you
are obliged to maintain speed and course.
When meeting head on, keep Right. |
THE
COLD WET FACTS ABOUT COLD WATER
Immersion in cold water can result in a
real life-threatening drop in body temperature
(hypothermia). Hypothermia can also be caused
by chilling wind, rain and perspiration.
To avoid danger: Prepare for cold air and
water by dressing properly - including wearing
your Personal
Flotation Device. With a whistle fastened
to your PFD or lifejacket you can signal
for help.
If you end up in cold water, get out of
the water as soon as possible. Cold water
robs body heat 25 times faster than air
of the same temperature. Climb back on your
craft. Stay with your craft. Do not try
to swim to shore in cold water unless you
are very close to safety and you have no
expectation of speedy assistance. Swimming,
treading water and survival floating (drownproofing)
all use up valuable energy and produce rapid
heat loss. If you can't get out of the water,
wearing your PFD will help increase your
survival time by keeping your head out of
the water. |
