This is the time of year to get out the watercraft and enjoy the summer. Whether you own or rent, jet skis and wave runners are a lot of fun. Remember however that you are operating a potentially dangerous piece of machinery in a hostile environment. To ensure your safety we recommend you follow a few safety tips:

 Wear a U.S.C.G. approved lifejacket. This is not negotiable or debatable. Remember that it floats…you may not.

 Always secure the engine stop lanyard, if provided, around your wrist. Getting run over by your own boat is both painful and silly.

 Keep your head on a swivel. Be constantly aware of boats, watercraft, surf boards, swimmers and other objects around you. Remember you are in a constantly changing environment.

 Jumping the wake of a passing vessel looks like fun…but is you vision obscured by the vessel passing? Is there another vessel on the other side that you can’t see?

 Alcohol use impairs judgment, do not drink and drive under the influence.

 NO BRAKES!! Maintain a safe distance from other vessels and objects.

 Take a safety course. These are usually offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the local Power Squadron.

These few safety tips will help to insure that when you talk about your experience, it will be about your day on the water and not your day in the hospital.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.