There aren’t many things more thrilling than cruising along on a jet ski. Jet skis are unquestionably a lot of fun. Not just fun, riding a jet ski also has a lot of health benefits. It can improve your balance, especially in challenging situations with turbulent water. You will also work out your abdominal muscles well in addition to that. You won’t just get better at maintaining your equilibrium; you’ll get a head start working on getting those six-pack abs.
But, they also present a serious risk to both the riders and other water users. A jet ski accident can cause serious injuries or even death due to its high speed. Renters frequently lack extensive experience operating jet skis, which increases their risk. As a result, both individuals and companies that rent jet skis may find it difficult to obtain liability insurance.
Personal Watercraft Have a High Rate of Accidents and Injury
Jet ski injuries are more likely to be severe than injuries on other watercraft. In fact, jet ski injuries are almost twice as likely to cause death or major injury compared to other watercraft. Jet skis often cause more damage when they do collide with other boats, especially motorboats. Alcohol, operator inattention, excessive speed, improper outlook, and operator inexperience are the top five primary contributing factors in recreational boating accidents.
However, You can minimize your risk of accident and injury on a jet ski by taking proper precautions and maintaining your machine. Here is all you need to know before renting a jet ski:
What to Know Before Renting a Jet Ski
Take all precautions. Always wear a life jacket when you’re on a jet ski, and always do it under expert supervision. Also, it is crucial to invest in jet ski rental insurance as it will allow you to enjoy the ride without any stress. It’s not only safer than driving without it (or operating an aircraft without proper licensing) but also ensures that if something happens while using your vehicle that causes damage or injury to others’ property/persons, they’ll have adequate compensation received quickly so everyone can move forward with their lives as soon as possible. Also, investing in training courses will help familiarize you with the machine’s operation in all kinds of situations.
Check the Weather
One of the most important things to do when preparing for a jet ski ride is to check the weather. The National Weather Service provides a variety of online resources that can help you decide if it’s safe to get on the water.
Weather apps show hourly forecasts, but if you’re looking for more information, you can use NOAA’s website or mobile app. The simplest way to check current conditions is by calling your local airport and asking what kind of winds are blowing around there. If they say 5-6 knots, you’re probably good to go as it is optimal for enjoying any water sports.
Wear a Life Jacket
A life jacket can mean the difference between life and death. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, most drowning victims did not wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Most people believe that PFDs are for children, but that’s not true. PFDs are designed to keep you afloat in case of an accident or catastrophe while you’re on your jet ski.
Be Cautious of Your Surroundings
While jet skis are designed to be a fun and safe way to enjoy the water, there are still some risks you need to be aware of. The most important thing you can do is avoid certain types of watercraft like watercraft racing, damaged boats, etc.
Don’t Operate Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
It goes without saying, but don’t operate your jet ski while drunk or under the influence of drugs. You should know this already, but we’ll say it anyway: operating a jet ski while intoxicated is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.
Beware of Speed Limits and Laws
Speed limits are in place to protect the environment, so it’s always wise to check local laws and regulations before renting a jet ski. Your jet ski rental company should be able to provide you with the required information.
Watch for Other Jet Skiers and Swimmers
The number one rule is to watch out for people. You should always be aware of where other watercraft is, and if necessary, slow down or change course to avoid them. You also need to keep an eye on swimmers in the area; if there are people under your boat, don’t accelerate suddenly or make sudden turns.
Look for Signs That Show the Jet Ski Is Well Maintained
- Fuel gauge: If the fuel gauge is below a quarter tank, be sure to ask if there is more fuel on site.
- Oil level: Check the oil level and look for any leaks.
- Tires: Make sure all tires are in good condition with no bubbles, bulges, or cracks in them.
- Battery: Check that it’s securely fastened and has a full charge before you go out on the water. This will ensure your ride doesn’t end prematurely because of a flat battery!
- Brakes: Make sure they work well so you can safely come to a stop when needed. It is especially important if you’re going fast on choppy waters.
Ask for Insurance
If you’re renting a jet ski, make sure to ask whether or not insurance is included. It’s important to note that insurance is not required for all rentals. In fact, some rental companies will even have the option to purchase insurance at the time of your reservation (and sometimes even during). If you choose not to buy it and something happens while you’re using the jet ski, you may be held responsible for any damage or injuries sustained by yourself or others.
Rent From a Trusted Source
When you’re jet skiing, you want to be as safe as possible. One of the most important ways to do this is by renting from a company that you can trust. You should check their reputation and their insurance coverage before renting from them. Insurance isn’t just for rental companies; it’s also for individuals who rent jet skiers. Make sure that your policy covers any personal injuries or damage you might cause while using one of these vehicles!
It’s important to remember that personal watercraft are high-performance vehicles designed for use on open bodies of water. They are not boats and should not be used in place of boats. The thrill of riding one is one of the reasons why so many people love jet skis, but it’s also what makes them so dangerous. If you’re going to get on one, it’s up to you to take the necessary precautions and be careful.
