Jet Ski Injury & Prevention Specialist
In the past five years, almost 33,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for jet ski- and wave runner-related injuries.
Jet skis are considered boats, and operators must obey all boating rules while on the water. Since January 1, 2000, all individuals who operate a personal watercraft must have completed a certified boater safety course.
Safety Tips
- Children under the age of 16 should not operate a wave runner.
- Take a safe boating course and have your child/children take a safe boating course.
- Always have a life jacket (or personal flotation safety device) onboard for each passenger.
- Make sure that your life jacket and your passenger’s life jackets fit properly and support your individual weights. (See Life Jacket Safety Chart.)
- Never mix jet skiing and alcohol.
- Always make sure an adult is watching you and/or your child from the shore.
- When driving a jet ski with a passenger, make sure your passenger is ready to go before you start.
- When riding a jet ski when someone else is driving, make sure that you are holding on tightly. Inform the driver if your hands slip or if you are not ready to go.
- Never start your engine without attaching the cord that is connected to the start/stop switch or your key to your life jacket or wrist. If you fall off, the machine will automatically stop.
- Each rider should wear eye protection, a wetsuit (in colder weather), footwear and gloves.
- Always watch for bad weather conditions.
- Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the pump intake.
- Never operate a jet ski in water that’s less than 24-inches deep.
- Know your water terrain.