| Whether you're going to the beach on vacation or | | | | markers and are aware of any obstructions, such |
| you've rented a cottage on the lake, a jet ski or | | | | as reefs and sandbars, that might cause |
| better yet a pair of them, can add some serious | | | | accidents. * Wear a life jacket. This one bears |
| fun and excitement to the trip. Jet skis can be | | | | repeating again and again. * If exploring on a jet |
| purchased or rented in a number of locations and | | | | ski is in order, make sure someone on land knows |
| are fairly simple for almost anyone to learn how | | | | your desired route, where you're going and when |
| to use. They do, however, require some basic | | | | you expect to be back. * Wear protective |
| understanding of the rules of the water. | | | | clothing. It's not always necessary, but goggles, a |
| Jet skis are considered personal watercraft. Not | | | | wet suit and protective footwear can make the |
| exactly like water skis and not exactly a boat, | | | | experience that much better - and safer. * Follow |
| these allow their users to speed on the water | | | | local laws in the water. Yes, there are speed limits |
| while enjoying some great scenery and fun. | | | | in the water. Heed them! In places like Florida, for |
| Safety, however, should be paramount when | | | | example, manatee and alligators can get in the |
| using a jet ski. | | | | way of fun, generally to their own detriment. |
| Here is some advice to consider before diving in | | | | Speed limits are enforced in areas where |
| (or on) to the water with a jet ski: * Bear in mind | | | | high-speed action can present a danger to an |
| at all times that jet skis are fun, but they are not | | | | operator, an animal or both. |
| toys. Accidents can happen and do happen and | | | | Adding a little jet ski action through a rental is a |
| most are avoidable. * All in all, jet skis are pretty | | | | great way to kick up the fun factor of a |
| safe. As long as they're kept in good working | | | | vacation. But, if knowledge and caution aren't in |
| order, which most rental shops absolutely ensure, | | | | place, sometimes problems can occur. Be smart |
| they shouldn't be a problem on the water. * Get | | | | and know how to operate a craft safely before |
| some training before using a jet ski. Make sure | | | | diving in. Do not forget a lifejacket and don't be |
| you understand how it works, what you need to | | | | afraid to take a class to learn more. |
| do to ride it safely and be aware of any local | | | | Jet skis are favored by many who like the |
| regulations. There are personal watercraft safety | | | | freedom they offer in the water. Giving a |
| courses people can take to ensure they know | | | | different feel than water skis or boats, perhaps a |
| what they're doing before they hit the water. * | | | | mix is the best description, these personal craft |
| Before heading out in a jet ski, check weather | | | | can be a real blast, too. When common sense is |
| reports. It's never a good idea to be stuck in a | | | | taken along on the ride, nothing can pump up the |
| storm in a boat or jet ski. * Know the terrain. Be | | | | water fun quite like a jet ski. |
| certain you understand how to read water hazard | | | | |