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• This lanyard is a cord with a short strap
that is attached to the operator’s wrist or
life jacket, and the other end is inserted
into a cut-off switch plug.
• If the operator falls off the vessel, the cord
is pulled out of the cut-off plug and the
PWC’s engine turns off. The operator can
then swim to the PWC and reboard.
Righting an
Overturned PWC
PWCs are designed to float.
• If your craft rolls over and floats upside
down, roll it back to the upright position
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Look for a decal at the rear of the craft
for these instructions. If there is no decal,
check your owner’s manual. Turning it
the wrong way could get water into the
engine.
Reboarding
Some PWCs will circle and come back to
you. Others will stop when the stop lanyard
is pulled free.
• It is important to practice getting back
aboard.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in
your operation manual.
• You may find it difficult to reboard when
you are tired.
• Always practice reboarding in deep water.
• If you find reboarding difficult, you may
not want to ride alone.
Be cautious when riding in areas of strong
current and when it is windy. You may have
difficulty getting back to your craft under
these conditions.
Never overestimate your ability. Be
certain your skills and physical condition are
sufficient to handle any wind, wave, or distance
to shore conditions you may encounter.
Water-Skiers
Before towing water-skiers with your PWC,
check with state and local authorities to see
if it is permissible to do so.
If you tow skiers, you must have a
personal watercraft with capacity to carry
three persons:
• The operator
• The observer
• The skier and the skis when going to and
returning from the ski area
Always keep a distance from other
water-skiers; never follow them or cross
between them and the tow boat. Both you
and the skier could have serious accidents.
Be Aware of Physical
Conditions
Just as the operator of a 40-foot yacht
would stay clear of a large ship, you should
stay clear of larger boats. The operators of
large vessels often cannot see you and many
cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.
It is good practice to schedule a
10-minute break for every 30 minutes of
riding. Fatigue is a major consideration
when riding a PWC. If you become fatigued
or start to feel cold, head for home.
Observe weather forecasts before you
depart and monitor the weather conditions
while you are on the water; return if they
degrade.
Pay attention to darkening skies,
increasing wind, change in wind direction,
and approaching thunderstorms. If
bad weather threatens, head for shore right
away.
Make sure you have enough fuel to
get back to shore. If your PWC does not
have a fuel gauge keep track of your time
underway. If you have to switch on the
reserve tank, head straight for home or
other fuel source.
If you see fog rolling in, seek shore;
you are hard enough to see in clear weather.
Remember your sound signals if you get
caught in fog; you are a boat.