Jet Skis are designed with intensity in mind, but like every intense sport, things can get dangerous pretty quickly if you don't know what you're doing. The heart-racing speeds you can reach on such high-performing machines make for an incredible boating experience, but so much power on a PWC can also lead to devastating accidents when you ride carelessly. Even though the water's pretty open, you still need to keep your head on a swivel and obey common sense. There are plenty of other riders and obstacles to look out for, so consider some of these tips before you hit the water again. At Jet Ski of Miami, we want the lake to be a safe place for everybody, so please don't hesitate to stop by if you're still unsure about how to ride safely. We also sell watercraft from great manufacturers like Kawasaki, and proudly serve customers from Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Miami Gardens and Miami Beach, FL.

Inspections before every Trip

Using faulty equipment is dangerous no matter what kind of vehicle you're driving, so take your first safety steps at home. Staying on top of maintenance before you even leave home prevents potential hazards out on the water, so make sure you do regular inspection on your Jet Ski or other Kawasaki personal watercraft. If your hull is damaged, you notice loose connections, or the craft has any leaks, you should schedule a service appointment right away. It might seem inconvenient to fix your craft every time a small maintenance issue arises, but doing repairs immediately is much better than risking your life on the water.

Use Safety Gear

Spending a day on the water frequently means you'll wind up in the water at some point, so make sure you're suited up with the proper safety gear. Even if you're a strong swimmer, you and everyone on board still need life jackets when riding a Jet Ski. It doesn't matter how comfortable you are with the water. A life jacket will protect you if you're injured or unconscious when you fall overboard. There are also a few safety items you have to bring on your PWC for emergency situations, like a lanyard, first aid kit, and a whistle or horn. The lanyard should be attached to the ignition and then the other side to your life jacket. This way, the engine will shut off if you are thrown from your vehicle.

Be Respectful at the Ramp

Shoving off is an important part of riding, because you'll need to learn how to respect other riders to be safe. You can't just hit the water at full throttle in your Jet Ski. Wait your turn at the ramp to ensure that there won't be a collision, and everyone will be okay. Also make sure to shove off slowly, because you don't want to send big wakes so close to shore.

Follow Regulations and Be Courteous

We can't tell you all the rules and regulations for every state, but there are some basic rules you should follow when out on the open water. To start, make sure you always yield to watercraft that doesn't have an engine. It's dangerous and just flat-out rude to race past a kayak in your Jet Ski when they're just trying to cross the lake. Also allow plenty of space between yourself and other watercraft, because getting too close could easily cause an accident. Finally, stay sober if you're going to be operating any type of PWC. Riding under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs isn't just illegal — it's a careless choice that can easily lead to an injury. Please remember to just use common sense and be courteous while riding.

Landing

Just like leaving the ramp, you should also land with care and patience. You'll need to wait your turn, since there are plenty of other people trying to leave or return to the shore. Give right-of-way to anyone who gets there before you, and make sure to slow down 100 yards before you get to the shore.

Anytime you get on a motor-powered vehicle for sport, you need to make safety your first priority. This especially applies to riding Jet Skis and any other PWC, since watersports can be very dangerous if you don't exercise safe habits. Make sure you keep on top of maintenance, ride carefully, and treat other PWC operators with respect when you're on the water. At Jet Ski of Miami, our representatives have spent a lot of time on the water, so never be afraid to talk to us about how you can be safer on out there. While you're here, you can also check out our Jet Skis and other Kawasaki personal watercraft if you're in the market for a new PWC, so stop by our dealership near Key Biscayne, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, miami Shores, and Key Largo, Florida.