Personal Injury Lawyer Safety Tips for Operating Personal Watercraft

Safety Tips from a Personal Injury Lawyer for Personal Watercraft

If you live near a lake or other body of water, you most likely spend full days out boating and riding your jet skis. Although these watercrafts are always tons of fun, operating a personal watercraft comes with a lot of responsibility and risk. If you plan on operating your personal watercraft anytime soon, consider these safety tips to avoid injuring yourself or others and keep things fun.

What Is Considered a Personal Watercraft?

The definition of a personal watercraft (or a PWC) can vary from state to state. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a personal watercraft is typically a “vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power, and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing in the vessel.”

Safety Tips for Personal Watercraft Operation

While operating your own personal watercrafts this summer, stay safe by following these simple tips from our personal injury lawyer:

  1. Take a boating safety course. Before operating any type of personal watercraft or boat, a personal injury lawyer will always recommend taking a boating safety course. This will help ensure you are aware of emergency procedures and have the necessary knowledge to operate your watercraft safely at all times.
  2. Check the weather first. Before heading out on the water for the day, our personal injury lawyer recommends checking the weather forecast. If a storm is headed your way, it’s always best to wait it out. Always avoid operating personal watercraft in heavy rain, lightning storms or in extremely windy conditions.
  3. Do not consume alcoholic beverages. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car after consuming alcohol, do not operate your personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or any other addictive substance. If you do, you are more likely to make risky decisions and could ultimately find yourself liable for the injury or even the death of another person out on the water.
  4. Review your watercrafts operational features. This goes without saying, but you should always ensure that you know how to operate your watercraft before hopping on it for the day. Review your Operator’s Guide if you have any questions about your craft’s features.
  5. Obey posted speed limits and no-wake zones. If you disobey posted rules and speed limits and get in a boating accident as a result, you may be liable for damages or injury to others involved. For this reason, our personal injury lawyer always recommends following the posted rules on any body of water you frequent.
  6. Wear a life jacket. A life jacket is an essential part of safely operating any personal watercraft or boat for that matter. Don’t ever leave the shore without yours.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you find yourself in the midst of a personal watercraft accident, Tolbert Beadle, LLC is the only law firm you want on your side. Our experienced personal injury lawyer can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve and are treated fairly throughout the course of your legal case.
If you’d like to speak with a personal injury lawyer about a personal watercraft accident, contact Tolbert Beadle, LLC today to schedule your free consultation.