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In 2014, a study conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard indicated an annual total of 2,678 injuries and 610 fatalities associated with the use of personal watercraft (PWC).  Jet skis and other recreational personal watercraft are popular year-round in the state of Florida, but statistics are clear: the risks of injury are significant when riders do not properly handle their craft.

To better avoid accidents while operating a PWC, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suggest individuals consider the following tips.

Tip #1: Avoid Alcohol and Other Drugs

Just as with land-based motor vehicles, it is illegal to operate a PWC while intoxicated (in Florida, that means a blood alcohol content of over 0.08).  The use of alcohol and other drugs not only impairs your ability to properly operate a PWC, but may result in further injury or even death in the event that an accident does occur. 

If you intend to consume alcohol or other drugs, it is strongly recommended that you allow a sober person to operate the vessel instead.  Alternatively, drink non-alcoholic beverages prior to operation and simply plan around it – keep the consumption of alcoholic beverages for after your stint on the water.

Tip #2: If You Regularly Operate a PWC, Consider a License or Safety Program

The state of Florida does not require mandatory safety education or licensing for PWC operators (except in cases where the vessel motor is capable of at least 10hp and the operator is 21 years of age or younger).  As a result, many jet ski and PWC operators are unprepared for the risks of such operating such a vessel, leading to more accidents.  The statistics seem to reflect this heightened risk.  A report by the National Transportation Safety Board indicated that 84% of PWC accidents involved operators with no prior safety education or certification.

If you are a regular operator, consider obtaining a Florida license, or at the very least, attending a course on PWC safety.  There are several providers of safety education, including but not limited to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and various other public and private entities.

Tip #3: Avoid Excessive Speeding

Remember, jet skis and other PWCs do not have brakes.  If you excessively speed on a PWC, you will continue to move quite rapidly – even if you ease up on the throttle.  To avoid collisions with other watercraft and various hazards, handle your throttle more conservatively so that you have room to bring your vessel to a complete stop before a collision takes place.

Tip #4: Respond Properly to Bad Weather Conditions

Be aware of changes to weather and water conditions while operating your vessel.  Rapidly changing conditions can cause an accident if you are not fully prepared to respond.  If bad weather and water conditions escalate, slow down and proceed to the closest shoreline that is safe for approach.  Choppy waters may arise unexpectedly.  If you find yourself battling choppy water, cut into the waves at an angle (45 degrees).  This will smooth out the ride and minimize the possibility of you and your passengers losing your balance and being thrown off the vessel.

Tip #5: Keep in Mind Off-Throttle Steering Limitations

PWCs cannot be steered without throttle.  This simple limitation is the cause of many injury-causing incidents.  Without throttle, the vessel will continue in the direction it was traveling prior to the loss of throttle.  To avoid losing control of the vessel, try tapping the throttle to regain your steering capabilities.  This may require a bit of experience, so if you’re a regular operator of PWCs, be sure to practice.

If you have been injured in a jet ski or PWC accident, contact Randall Spivey and his team of skilled Naples personal injury lawyers at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights.