Owning a personal watercraft offers thrilling adventures on the water, but with this excitement comes a great deal of responsibility. As an owner of either a jet ski or a Sea Doo Wake Pro, it’s important to prioritise safety, respect for the environment and consideration for other water users. Here are key tips on how to be a responsible PWC owner and ensure that your time on the water is enjoyable for everyone.

Make Safety Your Utmost Priority

The first step to responsible jet ski ownership is adhering to safety guidelines. PWCs are fast, nimble, and powerful machines, and accidents can happen if precautions aren’t taken. Always wear a life jacket while riding and ensure your passenger does the same. Many jurisdictions require you to wear a life jacket when riding a PWC anyway, so it’s best to embrace this practice.

Another safety aspect is ensuring that you have proper safety gear onboard, including a whistle or horn, a fire extinguisher, and an emergency kill switch, which stops the engine if you fall off. If riding in colder water, consider wearing a wetsuit to protect against hypothermia.

Understand and Follow Local Laws

Each region might have specific laws governing the operation of PWCs, including speed limits, areas where it’s are allowed, and age or licensing requirements. It’s important to familiarise yourself with these regulations and follow them. Ignoring local laws not only puts you at risk for fines, but it also endangers other boaters and swimmers.

In addition to speed restrictions, be mindful of no-wake zones, which are designated areas where boaters must reduce their speed to protect the shoreline, wildlife, and other water users. Ignoring these zones can cause erosion and disturb wildlife habitats.

Respect Other Water Users

A responsible jet ski owner is considerate of other people enjoying the water. Jet skis can be loud and disruptive, so it’s important to maintain a safe distance from swimmers, kayakers, paddleboarders, and boats. Avoid weaving in and out of boat traffic or racing in crowded areas. Always yield to larger vessels such as Revival boats, as they may not be able to maneuver as quickly as your PWC.

Give other riders and boaters plenty of space. Jet skis are highly maneuverable, but that doesn’t mean accidents can’t happen if you’re too close to others. Keep your distance to avoid collisions and respect everyone’s space on the water.

Be Mindful of the Environment

PWC owners should also take steps to minimise their environmental impact. Avoid making big wakes in shallow waters as the powerful engines of your PWC can disturb marine life, damage coral reefs, and stir up sediment. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and never approach the animals too closely, especially in protected areas.

Properly maintaining your PWC is another way to reduce its environmental footprint. Make sure your jet ski is running efficiently to minimise emissions and fuel consumption. Dispose of oil and fuel properly and avoid spilling gasoline into the water during refuelling.

Maintain Your PWC Regularly

Speaking more about PWC maintenance, you need to regularly check the engine, battery, and fuel lines for signs of wear and tear. A well-maintained PWC is less likely to break down, leaving you stranded, and it also runs more efficiently, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Proper storage, such as keeping it covered and out of the elements, will help prolong its lifespan and keep it in top shape for the next season.