Personal Watercraft Safety

One of the best ways to enjoy the water is with a personal watercraft. Explore new sights across the water. Tow tubers or water skiers. Chase thrills as you pursue high speeds. A PWC helps you make the most of the great summer weather.

But before you head out on the water, you want to make sure you stay safe. Check out our tips below on PWC safety. If you need any parts or maintenance before your ride, visit America’s Motorsports Madison. We serve those in Madison, Hendersonville, Lebanon, and Springfield, Tennessee.

Check the Weather

Every good trip should start with a quick weather check. Sure the sky may look sunny now. But there could be a thunderstorm expected later that you do not want to get caught in. Avoid riding in heavy rain or storms. If it is going to be exceptionally sunny or cloudy, re-apply sunscreen more often during your ride.

Inspect Your Personal Watercraft

Before you take your PWC out for a spin, make sure everything is ready to ride. Conduct a quick pre-trip inspection to try to catch issues ahead of time. Look for any hull damage from past trips. See if there are any loose hose connections needing to be tightened or replaced. If you discover any issues, bring your vehicle into a professional for repairs.

Bring Watercraft Safety Gear

Anyone on board the watercraft or being towed behind it needs to be wearing a life jacket. Make sure it fits well (otherwise it won’t provide the level of safety protection you seek). Even strong swimmers need to wear a life vest. In a crash, they could get injured or knocked unconscious. Plus, it sets a good precedent for any kids tagging along.

Bring along a whistle or horn. You may need it to alert other vessels of your presence. Or you may need it to signal for help. Take along your cell phone in case you need to call 911 or summon other help (for example, if you run out of gas and need to get towed).

Remember to take care of your health while on the water. Pack a first aid kit to handle any minor medical emergencies. Bring extra water and snacks. Always throw in some sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, you are still exposed to damaging rays from the sun.

Safe Transportation of your Watercraft

When you are ready to take your PWC on the water, you’ll likely need to transport it somewhere. Make sure your trailer and tow vehicle can handle the weight of your personal watercraft. Exceeding the weight is not only illegal, it is dangerous.

As you tow your watercraft, drive defensively. Leave double the amount of space between you and other motorists. Give yourself more time to break. Take lane changes and turns slow. When it comes time to unload, go slow and steady. Don’t feel rushed by others wanting to use the ramp.

After you spend an enjoyable time riding your personal watercraft, you will need to safely get it back home. When you return to shore, go slow. Begin idling 100 yards before you reach your destination.

Basic PWC Rules and Recommendations

While you are riding your PWC, there are some rules of the “road” to be aware of. Yield to non-motorized watercrafts. Stay to the right of oncoming vessels. Leave plenty of space between you and other watercrafts. Never overload the watercraft. The extra weight makes it difficult to handle the machine. Always stay within sight of the shore. If you can, stay within sight of another vehicle. They can help you if an emergency happens.

We hope you found this guide helpful! Remember you can stop by America’s Motorsports Madison for all your personal watercraft needs. We proudly serve those in Madison, Hendersonville, Lebanon, and Springfield, Tennessee as well as Bowling Green, Kentucky.