PWC Safety
It’s hard to beat the thrill of coasting across the surface of the coastal waters on a hot summer day on your personal watercraft (PWC). However, you probably know that you can’t be reckless with these things; they’re still motorized vehicles that require your full attention and focus when riding them. Following good safety practices will not only keep you safe and prevent harm from coming to your PWC, but it will also ensure the safety of swimmers and boaters around you, sharing the water.
Roseville Motorsports in Rocklin is your California PWC dealer, serving Sacramento. These tips will help you to keep yourself safe in the water next time you go out with your personal watercraft.
Dress the Part
It’s important to wear a personal flotation device (PFD), otherwise known as a life jacket, when you’re riding your PWC. This is the case no matter how good a swimmer you are; you never know when you could be knocked unconscious or shocked by the cold of the water when you fall in. A PFD will help you stay afloat and get your bearings, or keep you safe until rescue. Attach your PWC’s engine-kill switch to your life jacket before riding.
A wetsuit is also recommended for personal watercraft riding, because it will protect your skin from the sun in addition to keeping you warm when you do fall in the water. Even on a warm day, the temperature of the water can be alarming and disorienting. Make sure to apply waterproof high-SPF sunscreen to all body parts that aren’t covered by your wetsuit. Goggles and a helmet are also recommended.
Stock Your PWC
You should also make sure that your personal watercraft has all the gear you’ll need once you’re out on the water. Its waterproof storage compartments can hold lots of things, so fill them up with your phone, charger, wallet, keys, sunscreen, bottled water, snacks, a first-aid kit, signal flares and a radio. Have either a horn to honk or a whistle to blow when you’re approaching people from behind.
Ride Responsibly
It should go without saying, but you should never ride your personal watercraft while you’re under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Drug and alcohol intoxication reduces your focus, makes you more reckless and slows your reaction time, all of which can contribute to an accident on the water.
Always ride slowly when leaving or approaching the launch or dock. You need to make sure that you’re not going to run into anyone or anything before you speed up. Monitor your surroundings to ensure that you’re aware of all swimmers, boaters and anything else that’s in the water.
In search of a new PWC near Roseville? Stop by our Rocklin, CA, dealership today to view our wide array of new and used personal watercraft for sale. Roseville Motorsports proudly serves all of our customers in and around Sacramento, CA.