No matter how much fun you have on your personal watercraft, safety should always be a major concern. After all, the last thing you want is to get hurt doing something you love. To ensure that your open water outings are as safe as possible, there are certain safety features that everyone should be aware of and use on their watercraft.
First and foremost, you should always wear a life jacket or other type of personal flotation device (PFD). Wearing a PFD not only increases your chances of survival if you find yourself in the water, but also keeps you afloat so that rescue can be more effective. Make sure they are appropriate for your age and size, as well as the water activity you are involved in.
It is imperative to have a waterproof VHF radio on board when on open water. In the event of an emergency, it is important to have a way to communicate with other boaters or local authorities. In addition, you should make sure you have a working bilge pump to drain water from the hull of your personal watercraft in case of capsizing or seepage.
When you're out on the water, it's also important to carry flares and a horn. These items can be used to call for help in an emergency and to avoid collisions with other vessels.
Finally, make sure all your safety equipment is in good working order and that batteries are charged, if applicable. Inspect your equipment regularly to make sure it is up to date and ready for use in an emergency.
Making sure you have all the necessary safety equipment can give you peace of mind when you're on the water. Spending a little extra time to make sure your equipment is in order can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. So make sure that when you head out on the water, you are well prepared with the right safety equipment.
Have a safe (and fun) watercraft trip!