A jet ski is undoubtedly a thrilling source of entertainment and is often perceived as easy to operate. However, it’s crucial to understand that fun doesn’t automatically equate to safety.

While enjoying a ride on your jet ski rental without any injuries is possible, it requires adherence to important guidelines. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Do You Need a License to Ride a Jet Ski?

In most cases, you do not need a boating license or a driver’s license to ride a jet ski. However, please note that in South Carolina, children under the age of 16 must either ride with an adult or complete a boater education course to ride alone.

What Should You Wear?
While it may be tempting to jump on a jet ski in your swimsuit, taking a few extra safety precautions is essential:

• Always wear a life jacket. Regardless of your swimming ability, wearing a life jacket is mandatory. Falling from a jet ski can happen easily, and wearing a life jacket significantly reduces the risk of drowning, which is the leading cause of water-related deaths.
• Consider wearing wetsuit bottoms. This serves more than just preventing chafing or losing your suit. Falling backwards from a jet ski in Myrtle Beach can expose you to a high-pressure stream of water, which can be dangerous. Wearing wetsuit bottoms provides added protection against this risk.
• Use proper footwear. Opt for water shoes that offer stability and protection against unseen submerged objects when dismounting from the jet ski.
• Carry a whistle. Having a whistle handy can be crucial if you lose control of your jet ski, as it can alert nearby boaters for rescue.
• Be mindful of valuable items. Avoid wearing items such as hats, jewelry, watches, or expensive sunglasses that you might regret losing in the water. Instead, consider using tinted goggles or floating sunglasses with a lanyard for eye protection.

Safe Driving Practices on a Jet Ski

Maintaining safe driving practices is paramount when operating a jet ski:

• Never consume alcohol before riding a jet ski. Similar to driving a car, operating a jet ski under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal.
• Keep the key on a lanyard around your wrist. This ensures that if you fall from the jet ski, the key is automatically removed from the ignition switch, preventing the jet ski from continuing to operate without an operator.
• Start at a low speed and gradually accelerate. Begin with a speed below 10 MPH until you have moved a safe distance from the shoreline. When accelerating, ensure that any passengers are holding on securely to prevent them from falling off.
• Avoid excessive speeding. Jet skis typically lack brakes, making it difficult to stop quickly. Excessive speeding can lead to collisions with other watercraft or swimmers. Remember, Myrtle Beach jet skis require acceleration to turn, further increasing the risk of accidents.
• Refrain from attempting stunts. It may be tempting to perform daring tricks or wave jumping, but these maneuvers can lead to serious injuries. Leave such stunts to experienced professionals and prioritize your safety.

Remember, prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents. Enjoy your jet ski experience responsibly and protect both yourself and others around you. Call Action Water Sportz now.

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Action Water Sportz
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 280-4100
http://www.actionwatersportz.com/

Action Water Sportz Little River
4430 Kingsport Road
Little River SC 29566
843-280-3100