Riding Tips PWC/Jet Ski

What you may need:

May we suggest:

• Eye Protection
• Wetsuit/Drysuit
• Footwear
• Gloves
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Water proof case or container for cell phone in case of emergency and wallet
• A small cooler with non alcoholic beverages and snacks
• Towel
• Change of clothes for end of day
• A large plastic bag for your wet things                  

Safe Riding Practices

• Any person operating a Good Time Rentals, LLC PWC must be 18 or older. Everyone who rides the PWC must wear a personal floatation device (PFD) at all times.
• A PWC should only be operated in 3 or more feet of water.  Damage to the unit will occur if water is less than 3 feet deep.
• Become familiar with the area in which you will be operating.
• Be aware of hazards and speed limits.
• Become familiar with basic rules of the water particularly as they apply to vessels in sight of one another in crossing, meeting and overtaking situations.
• Travel at a slow no-wake speed for the first 200’ from shore and when the situation warrants it.
• Keep a safe distance from other boaters, watercraft, swimmers, docks and keep clear of wildlife.
• Be aware that it is against the law to operate a PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not operate PWC in restricted visibility between sunset and sunrise.
• Be considerate of others by not operating for long periods in one spot or by avoiding shoreline places such as launching ramps, picnic areas and swimming areas.
• Always check the weather forecast before starting out; be alert for wave, wind and cloud changes that signal bad weather approaching.
• Carry out a pre-ride inspection as recommended by manufacture.

Driving Tips

• Start and shut off the engine and be aware that the PWC will not steer without power; power must be maintained through the pump.
• Know that the lanyard connection to the start/stop switch must be secured to either the personal floatation device (PFD) or wrist.
• Know how to safely approach and depart from dock, always drawing near another object from the side, not head-on.
• Practice how to board, re-board and re-right PWC if you’ve fallen off of it and are in the water.
• Know how to us a chart, map and compass (if applicable).
• Know how and when to use distress signals or flares (if applicable).
• Know all of the PWC’s equipment and how it functions.  A great example is to know the contents of the emergency kit and where it is located.
• Know how to ventilate the gas tank and understand how long a tank of fuel will generally last.  It is a great rule of thumb to use about 1/3 of the fuel to get to the destination, 1/3 to return to port, thereby leaving 1/3 in reserve in case of emergency.