Operation

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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 maneu- vers.

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 water- craft 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 labels on the watercraft. Pay particular attention to the safety information on page 10. Al- so, watch the Basic Orientation Video provided with your watercraft. These materials should give you an understanding of the watercraft and its operation.

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 watercraft at any time.

Maximum load: 240 kg (530 lb)

Load is the total weight of cargo, oper- ator, and passengers.

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Learning to operate your watercraft

Before operating the watercraft, always perform the pre-operation checks listed on page

59.The short time spent checking the water- craft will reward you with added safety and re- liability.

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 (lanyard) to your left wrist and keep it free from the handle- bars so that the engine stops if you, the oper- ator, 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

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