American Red Cross of Central Florida 

Personal Watercraft

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any water sport or boating activity. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact the American Red Cross of Central Florida at (407) 894-4141.
• Know your local laws and regulations. Some states have special laws governing the use of personal water craft (PWC), which address operations, registration and licensing requirements, education, required safety equipment and minimum ages.
• Operate your PWC with courtesy and common sense. Follow the traffic pattern of the waterway. Obey no-wake and speed zones.
• Use extreme caution around swimmers and surfers. Run your PWC at a slow speed until the craft is away from shore, swimming areas, and docks. Avoid passing close to other boats and jumping wakes. This behavior is dangerous and often illegal.
• The operator of the PWC as well as any riders should wear coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Ride with a buddy. PWCs should always travel in groups of two or three. You never know when an emergency might occur.
• Look for the label: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
• Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you.
• Find a boating course in your area (Red Cross, U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
• Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.
• Alcohol and operating a PWC doesn't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile, people should not operate a boat or PWC while drinking alcohol.

^top of page | link to us | send to a friend | privacy policy
Headquarters: 5 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803 Phone: (407) 894-4141

Copyright 2008. The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.