Safety

Safety

	WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET (U.S.C.G. APPROVED)
	All watercraft, except sailboards, must be equipped with at least U.S. Coast Guard approved personal watercraft flotation device (type I, II, or III) for each person aboard. Such devices must be in good and serviceable condition, readily accessible, and must fit the person for whom they are intended.When operating a personal watercraft you must be sure that all persons aboard are wearing a personal flotation device. Remember, IT WON'T WORK IF YOU DON'T WEAR IT.

	HOW OLD MUST I BE?
	Except in case of emergency, no person under the age of twelve years may operate a watercraft propelled by a motor greater than eight horsepower, unless the person's parent or legal guardian or at least one person who is eighteen years of age or older is present on the watercraft.

	RULES OF THE WATER
	Normal traffic on waterways is counterclockwise. Watercraft leaving the shoreline must yield the right of way to any craft not under power, unless the unpowered craft is overtaking the powered craft. Operators of watercraft must yield right of way to watercraft entering its "danger zone," which is an area from straight ahead to 112 and one half degrees to starboard (right side) in cases where a collision might occur. Watercraft may pass on either side when overtaking another, but the operator of the passing watercraft is responsible for any collision resulting and for his wake. Watercraft being overtaken must maintain course and speed. Watercraft meeting head - on must pass portside to portside when practical to do so.

	BOATING AND BOOZE DON'T MIX
	Alcohol impairs your ability to make good quick decisions. This is critical when operating such a fast and maneuverable personal watercraft. Besides its against the law.

	KNOW YOUR CRAFT
	Study the manufacture's manual and practice handling of your craft under experienced supervision and in open water well away from other boaters.

	LANYARD TYPE ENGINE WATERCRAFT
	If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's body, clothing, pr personal flotation device.

	TAKE A BOATING SAFETY COURSE
	Learn the common boating rules, regulations and safe practices.

	COMMITTING RECKLESS or NEGLIGENT ACTS
	A person must not operate or allow someone else to operate a PWC under his ownership or control in a reckless or negligent manner endangering the life or property of another person. Committing two or more of the following acts simultaneously is considering reckless operation.Operating a PWC within a zone of proximity to another watercraft closer than sixty feet unless both are leaving a flat wake or are traveling at a speed of five nautical miles per hour.Operating a PWC within the vicinity of a motorboat in a manner that obstructs the visibility of either operator. Heads into the wake of a motorboat that is within a zone of proximity closer than sixty feet and causes one - half or more of the length of the PWC to leave the water. Within a zone of proximity to another watercraft closer than sixty feet, maneuvers quickly, turns sharply or swerves, unless the maneuver is necessary to avoid a collision.

	LOOK OUT - RIDE DEFENSIVELY
	Don't be offensive!

	AN ACCIDENT
	The operator of a watercraft involved in a collision, accident or casualty of any type, must stop immediately and render reasonable assistance to persons affected. The operator is required to provide his name, address and the identification of his watercraft to any person injured and to the owners of any property damaged. A report of any boating accident must be filed directly with the Arizona Game and Fish Department by the owner or operator of the watercraft. Boating accident forms are provided by the Department, or other investigating officer, and must be filed within 48 hours if death or injury results from the occurrence. In all other cases, a report must be submitted within 5 five days. Report forms are generally available from law enforcement personnel at the lakes, first aid stations, marinas, ranger stations, or from the Department.

	WATCH THE WEATHER
	Check the weather forecast before starting out. Be alert for the wave, wind, cloud changes that signal bad weather approaches.

	BE PREPARED FOR COLD WEATHER
	Cold water robs body heat 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. If you fall off your craft into cold water, immediately reboard.

	KNOW THE AREA
	Do not assume the water is clear of obstructions. Rocks, sand bars, submerged pilings can seriously damage the craft or those on board. Check marine charts and stay in marked channels.

	BUOYS
	A diamond means danger. The nature of the danger may be indicated, e.g. rocks, reefs, dams, construction, or snags. A diamond with a cross inside means no boats are allowed. Circles mean caution or controlled area. The nature of the restriction is indicated, e.g. speed limit, no wake, no ski, ski only. A square or rectangular shape indicates information, directions, names of places, or other general information. A can - shaped buoy with alternate red and white vertical stripes means the watercraft should not pass between the buoy and the shore. Mooring buoys are white with a horizontal blue band halfway between the top of the buoy and the waterline. An all red buoy is on the starboard (right) side when going upstream. It may be can - shaped or nun - shaped and may show a white even number. An all black or green buoy is on the port (left) side when going upstream. It will be can - shaped and may show a white odd number.

	CARRY SAFETY EQUIPMENT
	Besides wearing an approved U.S.C.G.'s life vest we suggest a sound - signaling device (like a whistle), tow rope, fire extinguisher, hand held talk radio and, when operating on a large body of water, some small type - B flares in a watertight container.

	DON'T RIDE AT NIGHT
	Most personal watercraft are not made with the lights which the law requires for night riding.