Operation

Check state and local laws before operating your watercraft.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep a safe distance away from people, objects, and other watercraft. Select a wide area to learn in, where there is good visibility and light boat traffic.

Use the buddy system—operate with someone nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob- jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for conditions that limit your visibility or block your vision of others.

Attach the engine shut-off cord to your left wrist and keep it free from the handlebars so that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall off.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). All riders must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD that is suitable for personal wa- tercraft use.

Wear protective clothing. Severe internal injuries can occur if water is forced into body cavities as a result of falling into the water or being near the jet thrust nozzle. Normal swim- wear does not adequately protect against forceful water entry into the rectum and vagi- na. All riders must wear a wetsuit bottom or clothing that provides equivalent protection.

Such clothing includes thick, tightly woven, sturdy and snug-fitting apparel such as den- im, but does not include spandex or similar

fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia (subnormal body temperature) and abra- sions.

Footwear and gloves are recommended. Eye protection is recommended to keep wind, water, and glare from the sun out of your eyes while you operate your watercraft. Restraining straps for eyewear are made which are designed to float should your eyewear fall in the water.

You should grip the handlebars firmly and keep both feet on the floor of the footwell. Do not attempt to ride with passengers until your operating skills are fully developed.

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Riding with passengers

When 2 or 3 persons (including the operator) are on board, the watercraft handles different- ly, and is not as easy to maneuver, so operating it requires a higher degree of skill. Before attempting to operate the watercraft with passengers on board, the operator must practice operating the watercraft alone enough to be able to acquire the necessary skills.

The passengers must always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD and a wetsuit bottom or equivalent.

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WARNING

Do not apply throttle when anyone is at the rear of the watercraft. Turn the engine off or keep it at idle. Water and/or debris exiting the jet thrust nozzle can cause severe injury. Passengers should not attempt to board the watercraft if the operator is applying throttle.

Do not give a ride to children whose feet cannot reach the floor of the footwell. The passengers should hold on firmly, either to the person in front of them or to the handgrip pro-

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