Before people actually buy a personal watercraft they often rent one from a Lake Powell boat rentals company. Personal watercrafts are boats less than 16 feet long that use internal combustion motors to power water jet pumps. There are many brands of personal watercraft, including Jet Ski®, Sea Doo®, Wave Runner®, Tiger Shark®, and Wet Jet®. There are mandatory boating safety courses associated with operating personal watercrafts, very often available online. Personal watercrafts are disproportionately involved in boating accidents, with many of these avoidable tragedies being caused by new operators who don’t keep a proper lookout or who operate recklessly.
Although they are preventable, personal watercraft accidents are often more serious than other kinds of boating accidents and frequently involve collisions with other vessels and result in concussions and other head trauma. A common danger of personal watercraft use (due to the need for vigorous physical activity) is that of dehydration, which actually impairs reaction time and awareness and increases the chance of accidents. Severe skin damage from the sun is also a common result of time spent on a personal watercraft. Also, some injuries result when users get too close to the water in-take on the underside of the hull.
These are some basic guidelines that should always be followed when enjoying activities on Lake Powell, including personal watercraft rides. Always wear a properly fitting, Coast-Guard-approved lifejacket; always use the provided engine-stop accessory (such as a lanyard around the wrist) that automatically shuts off the engine if you fall overboard; constantly look for other boats, divers, skiers, and swimmers; keep a wide distance from the shoreline and other boats (at least 50 feet); never use waves and wakes as ramps; never operate under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs; always observe the local legal age limitations for operation; stay hydrated and sun-screened; don’t stand when in motion; stay away from the underside of the hull; and shut the engine off when people are in the water.
Most personal watercraft accidents occur with operators who are borrowing or renting the craft, suggesting that lack of knowledge and the unfamiliarity with the techniques and the etiquette of riding are contributing factors. If you’re lending your personal watercraft, it would be advisable to give a demonstration. If you are renting, follow all rules, regulations, and instructions provided. Many operators do not know that personal watercrafts take considerable time and distance to come to a complete stop and that they can’t stop abruptly or be steered when the power is off.
Other important things to remember include keeping advised of weather forecasts; learning the right-of-way rules; securing loose items in the boat; having a fire extinguisher; and having a spotter for watching skiers. When you’re ready to rent a personal watercraft from Lake Powell Offshore Marina, take the time to review the safety rules, and have fun!
