Essential Safety Equipment for Jet Ski Riders

Using the watercraft for entertainment purpose is good but ignoring safety equipment can be the worst thing. But with advancement in modern tech a jet ski can throttle as fast as 60mph. It is wise decision to equip yourself with relevant safety accessory so that you can avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Essential Jet ski safety equipment –

Recommended Equipment – On Shore Ride	Recommended Equipment – Off Shore Ride
Airhorn/Flashlight	VHF radio
Life Jacket	Compass
Fire Extinguisher	USCG SOS Distress flag
Mirrors	Electronic Flare
Multi-Tool set
First Aid
Flare

A couple of countries even require you to produce a proof of insurance, bailer bucket, spare towel rope and a couple of other items depending on what the coast guard rules are. It’s important to not to ignore this safety accessories for personal safety or required by law.

Required Safety Equipment for a PWC

Flashlight/Whistle

Keeping a whistle along with a flashlight can keep you away from cranky situation. These accessories grabs immediate attention from people around you.

Avid flashlight is what i recommend having due to 2600 mAh battery power that can easily last in tour. Plus its ease of recharging with universal USB plug make things easier. It can bright up and makes thing visually possible in dark. Plus the brightness can easily grab attention in nearby areas.

Life jacket

No matter which watercraft you are riding, always carry life jacket. I recommend having level 50s or above for jet ski riding. My personal preference is Sea Doo Freedom PFD, it is by far best design life vest, with grading design that helps in shoulder movement. Also 2 buckle strap ensure you have comfortable riding experience.

This USCG life vest do have D-ring to support accessories like safety lanyard, glove clips, whistles etc.

Fire extinguisher

PWCs must be equipped with a marine-rated fire extinguisher and emergency signalling devices as per federal requirements for all personal watercraft. Pulling of a fire fighter before calling a cop is a great thing to do. Kidde fire extinguisher is efficient to use on electrical & flammable products and occupies small space in your jet ski.

Jet ski mirror

Some of the state rules require the jet ski owners to keep a mirror. If in case your local government needs you to have it, do not forget to keep it in the checklist.

Multi tool kit

The multi tool set comes with a knife and sharp accessories for handling fishing lines ropes and other tiny things. It is really useful thing for a boater.

First aid kit

The list of jet ski safety gear is incomplete in the absence of a first-aid set. As an jet ski trainer, I can tell you that accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, even with all the necessary safety kit in place. That’s why it is one of the first safety accessory you should consider caring.

Boat safety course

Operators, regardless of age, must have a boating safety certificate when operating a PWC. In some areas, you must have a boating safety certificate and be at least 14 years old to operate a jet ski.

Extra water

Dying because of dehydration during a jet ski tour is one of the last thing anybody want to see. Always keep a good amount of water in your cooler box. Sun heat and strain together can upsurge the thirst.

Additional Handful gears : –

• Hat
• Goggles
• Wrist glove
• Neoprene Shorts 
• Rash Guard
• Water Shoes

You can even carry some warning sticker all over the jet ski so that things can be better handled.

Safety lanyard

Safety lanyard basically refers to a cord that gets attached to your jet ski. The lanyard attached with jet ski serves an essential purpose on a PWC as it connects the rider to the ignition system, ensuring that if they fall off, the engine stops immediately. It acts as a key for safety.

Safety flag

Raise a orange flag in case you end up getting in trouble waters. This warns others the ones riding nearby so that they can rescue you.

Mobile phone

There are preloaded maps and a lot of data that can let you navigate around. Sometimes, GPS safety features in a mobile phone can require some monitory payment but they are worthwhile. 

• Built in Compass 
• Google play GPS applications 
• SOS light
• Binoculars
• Emergency Services call

Telescoping paddle

How about riding a jet ski with the telescoping paddle? Do you think it is needed? Well, it is definitely something out of the way but having it will bring you back to the shore. It’s a nice and neat thing to be tossed in a jet ski where you can survive if the jet ski runs out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

Off Shore Riding – Safety Requirement

If you are among those who love taking jet ski offshore, here are some of must always carry-gear for safety :

1. VHF radio
2. Compass
3. USCG SOS Distress flag
4. Electronic flares

what safety gear is required on a seadoo?

All riders should wear a PFD, and the jet ski should be equipped with other safety items such as a fire fighter, flares, airhorn, and first aid set. Lastly, all PWC should be equipped with navigation lights and reflective tape for visibility at night. 

Conclusion:

As I see it, prioritising safety accessory on jet ski is essential to prevent accidents and ensure an enjoyable experience on the water. Many states have mandate to equip pwc’s with safety gear like life jackets, first aid, flags and carry boating safety certificate.