Page 15 - LIT-18626-11-70

UF4D13E0.book Page 10 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 11:08 AM

Safety information

EJU30772 know that a helmet could help protect you
Operation requirements
in certain kinds of accidents and that it
 All riders must wear a U.S. Coast Guard
could injure you in others.
(USCG) approved personal flotation device
A helmet is designed to provide some head
(PFD) that is suitable for personal water-
protection. Although helmets cannot pro-
craft use.
tect against all foreseeable impacts, a hel-
 Wear protective clothing. Severe internal
met might reduce your injuries in a collision
injuries can occur if water is forced into
with a boat or other obstacle.
body cavities as a result of falling into the
A helmet may have potential safety haz-
water or being near the jet thrust nozzle.
ards, as well. Falling into the water could
Normal swimwear does not adequately
risk the chance of the helmet catching wa-
protect against forceful water entry into the
ter, commonly known as “bucketing”, and
rectum or vagina. All riders must wear a
the resulting strain on your neck could cau-
wetsuit bottom or clothing that provides
se choking, severe and permanent neck in-
equivalent protection. Such clothing in-
juries, or death. A helmet could also
cludes thick, tightly woven, sturdy and
increase the risk of an accident if it reduces
snug-fitting apparel such as denim, but
your vision or hearing, or if it distracts you
does not include spandex or similar fab-
or increases your fatigue.
rics, like those used in bicycle shorts.
How should you decide if a helmet’s poten-
tial safety benefits outweigh its potential
risks for you? Consider your particular rid-
ing conditions. Consider factors such as
your riding environment and your riding
style and ability. Also consider the likeli-
hood of traffic congestion, and the water
surface conditions. If you decide to wear a
helmet based upon your riding circum-
stances, choose one carefully. Look for a
helmet designed for personal watercraft
1 USCG approved PFD
use, if possible. Consider a helmet meeting
2 Wetsuit bottom
Snell or DOT standards. If you will be en-
 Eye protection is recommended to keep
gaging in closed-course competition, fol-
wind, water, and glare from the sun out of
low the helmet requirements of the
your eyes while you operate your water-
sanctioning organization.
craft. Restraining straps for eyewear are
 Never operate the watercraft after consum-
made which are designed to float should
ing alcohol or taking other drugs.
your eyewear fall in the water.
 For reasons of safety and proper care of
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
the watercraft, always perform the pre-op-
 Helmets meeting Snell or DOT standards
eration checks listed on page 36 before op-
are required for IJSBA-sanctioned races.
erating the watercraft.
You must decide whether to wear a helmet
while you ride for recreation. You should
10