Personal watercraft are a lot of fun! However, even though this is a pleasure craft, it is crucial to keep some safety tips in mind so that your fun weekend doesn’t turn into a week in the hospital or worse. Your PWC might seem like a big toy, but it comes with some responsibilities to keep in mind. Laws regarding personal watercraft may be even stricter than the ones for ordinary boats. 

Before You Even Hop On

Read the owner’s manual! It will tell you how to operate your PWC safely and give you all the necessary warnings. It is recommended that you wear a neoprene wetsuit or shorts and a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while riding. Other safety gear, such as gloves or eyewear, is highly recommended. Do not board a PWC while the engine is running, and keep hair and loose clothing away from the pump intake. Please find out how much weight your PWC can handle and stick to it. Familiarize yourself with the controls and keep the safety lanyard attached. 

While You’re Riding

Pay attention to traffic. Keep in mind that your PWC has a quicker response and turning radius than the typical boat. Give everyone space, and don’t stray too close to the shore. You don’t want to be in shallow waters. Spraying swimmers, boaters, and beachgoers is not just rude but dangerous. If you fall, try to get clear of the PWC. If the craft flips, a sticker on the back end should tell you how to flip it back up. Above all, only operate your PWC during the day in good weather conditions. 

Watercraft Policies from Asheville Insurance Center in Asheville, NC

If you’d like to insure your personal watercraft and live in the Asheville, NC area, call Asheville Insurance Center today. We’ll give you all the help you need.