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UF5S10E0.book Page 13 Monday, September 23, 2024 2:13 PM

Safety information

EJU43123 in certain kinds of accidents and that it
Operation requirements
could injure you in others.
 All riders must wear a personal flotation de-
A helmet is designed to provide some head
vice (PFD) that is approved by the appro-
protection. Although helmets cannot pro-
priate authorities and is suitable for
tect against all foreseeable impacts, a hel-
personal watercraft use.
met might reduce your injuries in a collision
 Wear protective clothing. Severe internal
with a boat or other obstacle.
injuries can occur if water is forced into
A helmet may have potential safety haz-
body cavities as a result of falling into the
ards, as well. Falling into the water could
water or being near the jet thrust nozzle.
risk the chance of the helmet catching wa-
You must wear shorts with neoprene (wet-
ter, commonly known as “bucketing”, and
suit material) to keep water from being
the resulting strain on your neck could
forcefully injected into the rectum or vagina
cause choking, severe and permanent
during a fall backward. Riders not wearing
neck injuries, or death. A helmet could also
neoprene shorts have received severe rec-
increase the risk of an accident if it reduces
tal, vaginal, and internal injuries resulting in
your vision or hearing, or if it distracts you
permanent damage. Normal swimwear
or increases your fatigue.
does not offer adequate protection.
How should you decide if a helmet’s poten-
tial safety benefits outweigh its potential
1 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-
2
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 73 before op-
are required for IJSBA-sanctioned races.
erating the watercraft.
You must decide whether to wear a helmet
 The operator should grip the handlebars
while you ride for recreation. You should
firmly with both hands and the passengers
know that a helmet could help protect you
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