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UF4E13E0.book Page 13 Friday, April 27, 2018 2:35 PM

Safety information

EJU43121 know that a helmet could help protect you
Operation requirements
in certain kinds of accidents and that it
 All riders must wear a personal flotation de-
could injure you in others.
vice (PFD) that is approved by the appro-
A helmet is designed to provide some head
priate authorities and is suitable for
protection. Although helmets cannot pro-
personal watercraft 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
wetsuit bottom or clothing that provides
cause choking, severe and permanent
equivalent protection. Such clothing in-
neck injuries, 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 circumstances, choose one
carefully. Look for a helmet designed for
1 Authority-approved PFD
personal watercraft use, if possible. Con-
2 Wetsuit bottom
sider a helmet meeting Snell or DOT stan-
 Eye protection is recommended to keep
dards. If you will be engaging in closed-
wind, water, and glare from the sun out of
course competition, follow the helmet re-
your eyes while you operate your water-
quirements of the 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 63 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
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