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