Personal Watercraft Safety Essentials

Your PWC, otherwise known as a personal watercraft, is a great way to have fun on the water during a warm summer afternoon. While personal watercraft are safer than their land-based powersports vehicle counterparts, there is still an element of danger to riding them. However, if you’re a focused and responsible rider, you can mitigate the risk and enjoy a safer ride. Here are our top tips on how to ride your personal watercraft safely.

Perform an Inspection

Before you even take your trailered PWC to the boat launch, it’s important to do a thorough inspection of it to ensure that everything is in good working order. Hopefully, if you’ve been staying on top of regular PWC maintenance tasks, you should be good, but if you catch anything that requires addressing, you’ll want to get in touch with the Winnipeg Sport & Leisure service department so that we can help you out.

Get Your Gear On

In order to keep your rides safe, you’ll need to wear and equip the proper gear. A well-fitting personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket, is a must. A wetsuit or a dry suit can help you stay warm if you fall in the water. You’ll also need to have a first-aid kit in your waterproof compartment and you’ll need to attach the PWC’s kill switch to your life jacket when you board it.

Use Caution on the Water

Remaining calm and vigilant while you ride your watercraft can ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. As you approach or leave the boat launch, you should keep your speed low and be mindful of other crafts or swimmers in the water. If you’re approaching a boat or another watercraft, it’s nice to give them a wide berth and to honk your horn to alert them to your presence. Avoid riding in restricted areas and also avoid making any dangerous maneuvers that might be above your skill level.

Stop by one of our dealership locations in Manitoba or Ontario to check out our great selection of new and used PWC for sale. Let us know if you’d like assistance with financing your PWC purchase, too. Winnipeg Sport & Leisure serves our customers in the cities of Winnipeg, MB, and Kenora, ON.