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Operating your watercraft

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Getting to know your watercraft

Operating your watercraft requires skills acquired through practice over a period of time. Take the time to learn the basic techniques well before attempting more difficult maneuvers.

Operating your new watercraft can be a very enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of pleasure. However, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the operation of the watercraft to achieve the skill level necessary to enjoy riding safely. Before operating this watercraft, read this Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, the Riding Practice Guide, the Riding Instruction card and all warning and caution labels on the watercraft. Pay particular attention to the safety information on pages 1-9 to 1-16. Also, watch the Basic Orientation Video provided with your water- craft. These materials should give you an understanding of the watercraft and its oper- ation.

Remember: This watercraft is designed to carry the operator and up to 2 passengers. Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a water-skier is being pulled) to ride the water- craft at one time.

Maximum load: 240 kg (530 lb)

Load is the total weight of cargo, operator and passengers.

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Learning to operate your watercraft

Before operating the watercraft, always perform the pre-operation checks listed on page 3-5. The short time spent checking the watercraft will reward you with added safety and reliability.

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 you have good visibility and light boat traffic.

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

Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to your wrist and keep it free from the han- dlebars so that the engine stops if the operator falls off.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). All riders must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD that is suitable for personal watercraft use.

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