Jet skis are among the world’s most popular water sports many individuals like you and me love. They offer happiness while we ride on the waves, and it’s a great way to explore the waterways and a fun activity for the whole family. But are jet skis dangerous? What risks are involved in riding a jet ski, and how can you avoid them?
Jet skis are not inherently dangerous but can become hazardous if they are not appropriately used, maintained well, or operated by inexperienced or reckless riders. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, jet skis account for around 20% of all reported boating accidents every year, resulting in about 40 deaths and 600-700 injuries. These statistics show that jet ski accidents are not very uncommon, and they could have serious consequences.
You should still avoid jet skis altogether. Jet skis can be safe and enjoyable if you follow some basic safety guidelines, such as wearing a life jacket, taking a safety course, checking the weather and water conditions, following the rules of the water, and riding responsibly.
I will explain in detail how to do these things and what to do in an emergency. By the time you are done reading this post, you will better understand the risks and benefits of jet skiing and how to get the best out of jet ski safety.
Common Causes and Types of Jet Ski Accidents
Before diving into the specific risks and injuries that jet skis can pose, let’s look at the common causes and types of jet ski accidents. Knowing what can go wrong and how to avoid it can help you prevent many potential hazards and enjoy a safer ride.
According to the USA Coast Guard, the top five primary contributing factors to jet ski accidents in 2020 were:
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
- Improper lookout
These factors could lead to various types of accidents, such as:
- Collisions with other vessels, objects, or people
- Capsizing or falling overboard
- Ejection from the seat or handlebars
- Explosion or fire
- Sinking or flooding
Some of these accidents can be minor and cause little or no harm, but others can be serious and even fatal. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the possible consequences and take the necessary precautions to avoid them.
Potential Injuries and Damages from Jet Ski Accidents
Jet ski accidents can result in various injuries and damages, depending on the severity and nature of the incident. Below are some of the most common injuries and damages.
- Lacerations, bruises, and fractures from impact or debris
- Concussions, head trauma, and brain injuries from blunt force or lack of oxygen
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from compression or twisting of the spine
- Drowning or near-drowning from submersion or aspiration of water
- Hypothermia or heat exhaustion from exposure to extreme temperatures
- Burns or electrocution from fire or electrical malfunction
- Hearing loss or ear damage from noise or pressure
- Infections or diseases from contaminated water or animal bites
- Emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder from fear or trauma
In addition to physical and psychological injuries, jet ski accidents can also cause property damage and financial losses.
- Repair or replacement costs for the jet ski or other vessels
- Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses for the injured parties
- Legal fees and liability claims for the responsible parties
- Lost wages and earning capacity for the affected parties
- Fines and penalties for the violators of the law
As you can see, jet ski accidents can have severe and lasting consequences for you and others involved. It is crucial to take measures to prevent them and protect yourself and others from harm.
Best Practices and Tips to Prevent Jet Ski Accidents
Now that you know the common causes and types of jet ski accidents and the potential injuries and damages they can cause, you might wonder how to prevent them. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce the risks and enjoy a safe and fun jet ski ride. Below are some of the best practices and tips to follow.
Take a jet ski safety course
One of the best ways to prevent jet ski accidents is to learn the proper way to operate a jet ski, as well as the rules and regulations of the waterways. You can take a jet ski safety course online or in person and get a certificate or license that proves your competence and knowledge. Some states require jet ski operators to have a permit, so check the requirements before you ride.
Wear a life jacket along with other safety gear
As mentioned earlier, making sure you wear a life jacket is essential for jet ski safety and is also required by law. A life jacket can keep you afloat if you fall in the water and help prevent drowning or hypothermia.
You should also wear other safety gear, such as a helmet, goggles, gloves, and a race collar, to protect your head, eyes, hands, and neck from injuries. Additionally, you should permanently attach the PWC safety lanyard to your wrist or life jacket and connect it to the engine’s kill switch.
If in a case you fall off the jet ski, the engine will stop automatically, preventing the jet ski from running away or hitting someone else.
Check your jet ski and the weather before you ride
Another essential tip to prevent jet ski accidents is to inspect your jet ski and the weather conditions before you ride. You should check your jet ski’s fuel, oil, battery, steering, throttle, brakes, and lights to ensure everything works correctly.
You should also check the weather forecast and avoid riding in stormy, windy, or foggy conditions, as they can impair visibility and control. If you notice any problems with your jet ski or the weather, wait to ride until they are fixed or improved.
Ride responsibly and follow the rules
One of the common causes of jet ski accidents is operator error, such as inattention, inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol use, or improper lookout. To prevent these errors, you should ride responsibly and follow the rules of the water.
Keeping a safe distance from other vessels, objects, or people would be best, avoiding collisions or wake jumping. You should also obey the speed limits, no-wake zones, and right-of-way rules and signal your intentions to other boaters.
Moreover, it would be best if you avoided riding under the influence of any kind of drug or alcohol, because they can impair your judgment, reaction, and coordination. Finally, you should constantly monitor your surroundings and be alert for any hazards or changes in the water or weather.
Carry a reboarding ladder and other emergency equipment
Even if you follow all the tips above, you might still encounter an unexpected situation or accident while jet skiing. In that case, you should be prepared with some emergency equipment and know how to use it.
A reboarding ladder is one of the most valuable items, and it helps you get back on your jet ski if you fall off in the water, especially when you are far from shore or need assistance. You should also carry a tow rope, an impeller protector, a first aid kit, a distress light signaling device, an SOS whistle, a flashlight, a knife, a paddle, a bilge pump or baler, and a VHF radio, GPS, or smartphone.
These items can help you deal with various emergencies, such as towing, repairing, signaling, communicating, or navigating. Of course, you should also know how to use these items correctly and keep them in a waterproof bag or container.
Following these best practices and tips, you can prevent most jet ski accidents and enjoy a safe and fun ride on the water. However, you should know what to do next if you get involved in an accident. The following section will explain the steps after a jet ski accident.
Conclusion
Jet skis are not dangerous by themselves but can become hazardous if not used correctly and responsibly. Jet ski accidents can cause various injuries and damages, both to yourself and others, and they can have severe and lasting consequences. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risks of jet skiing and how to prevent them.
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