Jet Skis Destroy Summers

Illustration of a fall from a Jet Ski personal watercraft by Zvi Perry  

There is nothing more devastating than the loss of friends, or family members. Most people would do anything to get them back. Freak accidents happen everyday, and they take the lives of sisters, brothers, fathers, daughters, cousins, etc. 

The sad truth is, jet skis cause accidents, taking lives every single year. Those deaths could have been prevented. According to Mariner Law, a law firm that specializes in watercraft accidents, “on average 40-50 jet ski riders die in the United States annually. Typically, there are another 600-700 non-fatal injuries resulting from jet ski accidents.” That is JUST in the United States alone. 

While this statistic continues to grow, authorities have not been taking action to keep the public safe. We need more education and more regulations to prevent jet ski injuries and deaths. 

Jet skis are actually the only watercraft where the leading cause of death is not drowning. Most deaths are caused by blunt force trauma. Jet ski accidents are more dangerous than any other watercraft collisions. They are less protected than other motor boats, and can reach speeds well over 50 mph, leading to more injuries. 

Injuries often occur when the operator is reckless or simply does not have the experience to safely ride the water craft. It's very easy for a passenger to fly off when taking a turn too fast, or when colliding with obstacles out on the water.

But if they’re so dangerous, then why are they so easy to access? While they are a readily accessible watercraft, that doesn’t mean they aren’t properly regulated. People who have less than 20 hours of experience operating a jet ski, are considered to be at a high risk of an accident. Most people drive jet skis on vacation or on day trips to the beach. There you can almost always find rentable jet skis. People see the fun experience and think they are safe because you don’t need any special license to drive them. However, because they are easy to access, it masks how dangerous they can be. 

Many people are surprised at how complicated jet skis can get. For example, most people don't know jet skis cannot steer without the throttle engaged. Meaning, you may not be able to steer when slowing down.

There is a wide range of injuries people can receive in the event of an accident. Jet skis can cause burns, concussions, whiplash, deep bruises, fractures, lacerations, etc. Many injuries have left people in the hospital and with life long issues.

This can not only be an issue for people's health but hospital bills can be very expensive. In today’s society, people can’t afford to risk a hospital trip. Especially without universal healthcare. Which is why it’s become even more important to make sure people are playing it safe out in the water.

The only regulations jet skis have, in all states, is they must hold a fire extinguisher and an emergency signal device, the operator must be over the age of 16, and people are required to wear a lifejacket. Some states have extra  regulations. In Pennsylvania, the operator must have a boater education certification. However, these are rarely enforced.

Stricter regulations could lessen the number of jet ski accidents. If all states required a boater education certification, it could make people more aware of jet ski safety. For an individual to earn a boater education certification, they must take an approved boating safety course. These courses are easy to do and in states that require them, they can be taken online for free. 

According to Jannik Lindner, “Personal watercraft (PWC) accidents involving injury decreased by 1.6% in Florida from 2017 to 2018. This statistic is a testament to the progress being made in the realm of PWC [personal watercraft] safety.” 

Not only do these regulations need to be put in place, but they need to be enforced. If you simply say people have to become certified, doesn’t mean they will. Law enforcement will have to make a routine of checking to make sure people are following the rules. 

While every state has yet to make these requirements, that doesn’t mean you can’t educate yourself. Here are just a few important safety tips to keep in mind when operating a jet ski:

Learn how to properly ride a jet ski before going out on the water. As it has been stated throughout this article, this biggest killer is inexperience. So, take the time to go over instructions on how to work the different parts of the jet ski.

Take it slow at first. It may be enticing to see how fast the jet ski can go right away. However, it is always safer to get your bearings on all the controls first. It may be helpful to do some practice loops first before getting up to high speeds.

Always wear a life jacket. Not only is it illegal to not wear one, it is extremely unsafe. Even if you feel like you are a strong swimmer, everyone is capable of drowning. Do not take the risk, and put one on. 

Along with the life jacket, you should wear a helmet. Helmets can be a lifesaver if you fall near rocks or shallow water.

Never operate a jet ski under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol impair vision, reactions and decisions. Not only will it put your life at risk, but it will put the lives of everyone else out on the water at risk too. 

Stay clear of any boats, people and other objects out on the water. It is important to be vigilant about your surroundings, as most accidents are a result of a collision. There is a risk of not just you crashing into another watercraft, but also a swimmer. It is recommended you keep at least 100 feet between you and another obstacle out on the water. You are responsible for staying a safe distance away from other swimmers to ensure your and their safety.

Always follow the rules set by the grounds you are utilizing. While they are easy to ignore when having fun, they are there for a reason. So, be conscious of what you are doing, and make sure you are acting within the guidelines. 

If your hair is long wear it up in a bun, not just a ponytail. There is a risk of hair getting trapped in the motor of the jet ski, if you end up falling off. So take the precaution of tightly securing it close to your head. 

It is important to always keep safety in mind, and think about the risks involved with what you are doing. With stricter regulations and more education jet ski accidents can be prevented.