A Jet Ski is a great way to enjoy your summer and the best way to stay safe while having fun is to learn everything you can about a Jet Ski and how it operates. It is also imperative that you know the regulations and the rules that the United States Coast Guard has for your state. It is unfortunately very common for accidents to occur when the rider of the jet ski has either rented it or borrowed it. Whether you own, rented or borrowed a jet ski you should know some basics about any jet ski. You should know the limitations of your jet ski and how fast it can go and how long it takes to stop. A jet ski is not like a car where you can just hit the brakes. Also you should know that if you think turning off the engine on a jet ski will stop it, it does not. If you turn it off, then you can no longer steer and the jet ski will still continue on in the direction it was going, but now you cannot steer it. Safety equipment that should be standard when operating any watercraft is a properly fitted flotation device, a lanyard attached to the jet ski key, and a small fire extinguisher. The flotation device is for obvious reasons, the lanyard is so that if the rider falls off the machines engine will turn off and the extinguisher is in case a fire occurs due to engine problems. Stay alert, carelessness causing a great number of accidents. While out on the water you should be aware of your surroundings at all times and know who and what is around you. This is doubly important during the summer weekends and holidays as these areas tend to be busier at that time. A jet ski may not be a car but like a car you should keep a certain amount of distance between yourself and other watercraft, the recommended distance is at least 70 feet. Another issue that should be respected is that while the manufacturer of jet ski recommends that the age limit for a jet ski is 16, but most states do not allow anyone under the age of 18 to drive one alone. It is another safety rule that should be checked in your state. Also jet ski’s are not equipped with their own lighting system so should not be ridden before sunrise or after sunset. A jet ski is a lot of fun but it is a machine, a heavy one at that, and if not used properly can cause injuries or even death. To make your jet ski even more enjoyable, know the rules. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society