Are you looking to experience the thrill of zooming across the open waters on a Waverunner? The exhilarating feeling of the wind and water rushing around you makes this a popular water sport, but one that can become dangerous if the proper safety measures aren’t taken.
To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe time on your WaveRunner, here are some tips on how to ride responsibly and avoid accidents!
1. Always Wear a Life Jacket
Even with all the precautions in the world, accidents can still happen. Depending on how far you are from the shore, you may not have time to safely make it back, even with a minor injury. Wearing a life jacket will ensure that if you do end up falling off your WaveRunner, you stay afloat and avoid serious harm or drowning.
Secure a life jacket of appropriate size for all riders on board. Everyone should be wearing them while the WaveRunner is in motion, and they should never be removed unless you are safely back on shore.
2. Familiarize Yourself With Local Regulations
Each state, county, or city may have its own regulations for riding. These rules are set in place to keep everyone safe and respect the rights of others. It would be best to familiarize yourself with these laws before heading out on your WaveRunner.
Some common regulations include speed limits, designated areas for riding, and noise restrictions. Learn them well, so you can remain safe and avoid getting fined. Additionally, you should verify that your WaveRunner is registered and the registration is up-to-date.
3. Don’t Ride Under The Influence
This should go without saying, but it’s essential not to ride a WaveRunner under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so can impair your judgment, reaction time, and coordination. It also increases your risk of making dangerous mistakes that could result in an accident or injury. Since you’re on the water, a simple mistake can have fatal consequences.
In most countries, operating any motorized vehicle while intoxicated is illegal, so this tip ties back to knowing the local regulations as well. You could potentially face criminal charges on top of any fines or penalties.
4. Keep A Safe Distance
From everything! When riding a WaveRunner, it’s important to maintain a safe distance from other WaveRunners and people in the water. If you spot any animals, such as dolphins or whales, give them extra space and never try to get too close. Be mindful of other boats in the area and respect their right of way.
A general rule of thumb is to stay at least 30 meters away from other boats when traveling at 10 knots or more.
If you’re operating a WaveRunner at night time, then it’s important to have proper lighting that can be seen from afar. This not only helps make you more visible to other boats, but it also lets them know where you are and in which direction you’re going.
5. Check Your Equipment
Before launching off, check all your equipment for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Inspect the hull and engine for cracks, dents, breakages, and loose fittings. The battery is prone to get damaged, so check its connections and charge. Also, oil and fuel levels should be inspected to ensure there are no leaks.
Make sure all safety gear is on board and in good working order. This includes things like life jackets, fire extinguishers, signaling devices, and first aid kits. If you’re embarking on a long journey, don’t forget to bring extra supplies such as food, water, sunscreen, and wet weather gear.
6. Take a Safety Course
If this is your first time riding a WaveRunner, taking a safety course beforehand is advisable. You’ll hear a lot of what we’re discussing here, but a safety course will give you a more thorough knowledge of the safety aspects of riding.
You’ll also get to practice driving around in safe and controlled conditions with an instructor on board, so you can gain experience before going out on your own. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
7. Avoid Showing Off
The adrenaline in your blood can sometimes get the best of you, and before you know it, you’re doing wild stunts and tricks. This is one of the most common causes of accidents on WaveRunners. It puts you and those around you in danger, so it’s best to stay calm and enjoy the ride.
The same goes for speed – it can be tempting to go as fast as possible, but remember that you’re on a WaveRunner, which is much more prone to accidents than other boats due to its size and maneuverability. Play it safe and stick to speeds that you’re comfortable with.
8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Next, always be aware of the environment around you. Pay attention to potential hazards like sand bars, rocks, logs, and other debris in the water. Check the weather forecast before going out and confirm it’s safe for riding. The current can change in an instant, so you must know when and where it’s safe to ride.
Bring a map, a compass, and any navigation aids such as GPS and/or VHF radio. Letting someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back is always a good idea.
9. Refuel Properly
Finally, take the time to refuel your WaveRunner correctly. Otherwise, you risk getting stranded in the middle of the water with no way back.
Make sure to use fresh fuel and never fill your tank while the engine is still running. You also don’t want to overfill it, so only put in as much as you need.
Conclusion
These are just some basic safety tips for WaveRunner enthusiasts – there’s plenty more to be aware of and learn about. So stay alert and enjoy the ride!
