When summer comes, so do the opportunities to ride your personal watercraft (PWC). It’s one of the most fun ways to spend time on the water. But when everyone is donning their swimsuits and spending more time near a body of water, boating accidents increase as well. Aside from a dry suit or wet suit, what else can you do to keep your PWC safe and secure while also ensuring that you have an enjoyable summer filled with water fun? Let’s take a look at 10 helpful tips for keeping cool and worry-free when it comes to using your PWC this summer:
Check your PWC’s battery and hoses before using it.
Before you even turn on your PWC to begin cleaning it or checking it, you should check the battery’s voltage and the grommets in its hoses. Keeping your PWC in good shape will ensure that everything works properly and that you can use it when you want to — not just when it wants to be used. Hoses are susceptible to wear and tear, especially if they’re used in saltwater. Keep an eye on the hoses, and replace them as necessary to prevent them from leaking. One of the best ways to test your battery is to put a multimeter on it. If the voltage is too low, then you’ll need to charge the battery. You should also test your PWC’s spark plugs, oil level, and impeller to ensure that your watercraft is in tip-top shape to hit the water.
Don’t forget to wear a life vest.
Safety always comes first, and this is especially true on the water. Even if you’re just staying close to shore, you should always wear a life vest. If you fall off your PWC, a life vest will help prevent you from drowning. If you have children, make sure they are wearing life vests and are within arms’ reach at all times. You should also make sure that the straps of your life vest fit snug against your body. Loose straps can easily get caught in the propeller, which could result in an accident.
Stay away from areas with a lot of traffic.
While it may be difficult to stay away from areas with a lot of traffic, it’s the best way to stay safe on the water. A lot of people on the water might mean inexperienced boaters who aren’t aware of how your PWC operates. Vessels, such as fishing boats, might have all sorts of hazards attached to them such as nets or ropes. You don’t want to run into any of these hazards, so it’s best to avoid areas with a high volume of traffic. Instead, opt for a quieter area where you can enjoy your PWC without fear of running into something hazardous.
Try out new equipment while you’re at the dock.
New equipment, such as a new rope or a new life jacket, can be intimidating to use at first. Fortunately, you can get a feel for how it works while you’re still at the dock. Use the equipment in a safe place, such as at a swimming pool or shallow waters, to get a feel for how it operates. Once you’re more comfortable using the equipment, you can use it while on the water.
Protect yourself with sunscreen and protective clothing.
One of the best ways to protect yourself while out on the water is with sunscreen and protective clothing. If you’re not wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, you’re increasing your chance of suffering a sunburn — even if you’re using a PWC blind. Protective clothing, such as a rash guard, can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Wearing protective clothing can also keep you cool and prevent your skin from chaffing. Properly apply sunscreen to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and damage from the sun.
Use rope to help keep your PWC in place while you swim or dive.
Rope can be used for a variety of applications, including helping to keep your PWC in place while you’re swimming or diving. A mooring line can hold your PWC in place as you swim or dive. Rope is an inexpensive addition that can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your PWC safe while you’re in the water.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
You never know if someone is going to be tempted to take something that’s left in plain sight. If you have valuables on board your PWC, keep them out of sight in a place where they can’t be seen as easily. PWCs aren’t the only things that are susceptible to theft while on the water. Boats and docks can be targeted as well. Make sure you’re paying attention to your surroundings and that your PWC is locked up when you’re not using it.
Be cautious about diving — even if you’re a great swimmer.
Although diving is one of the best ways to cool off while on the water, you should be cautious about diving. While you may be a great swimmer, there’s always the risk of running into something while diving. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can use a Dive Flag to warn other boaters and watercraft that you’re diving. A Dive Flag helps prevent crashes and collisions from occurring.
Have an exit strategy for when you’re riding your PWC, especially if you’re going fast or far from shore.
When you’re riding your PWC, whether you’re going fast or far from shore, have an exit strategy in place. Having an exit strategy in place will help prepare you for unexpected things that might happen. If you’re riding your PWC and you feel like you’re over your head, have an escape route in mind. If something unexpected happens, it’s better to be safe than sorry: Stay safe and enjoy the water. The summer is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy some PWC time. With these 10 helpful tips, you’ll be able to keep your PWC safe and secure while also ensuring that you have an enjoyable summer filled with water fun.
