Safety information

know that a helmet could help protect you in certain kinds of accidents and that it could injure you in others.

A helmet is designed to provide some head protection. Although helmets cannot protect against all foreseeable impacts, a helmet might reduce your injuries in a collision with a boat or other obstacle.

A helmet may have potential safety haz- ards, as well. Falling into the water could risk the chance of the helmet catching wa- ter, commonly known as “bucketing”, and the resulting strain on your neck could cause choking, severe and permanent neck injuries, or death. A helmet could also increase the risk of an accident if it reduces your vision or hearing, or if it distracts you or increases your fatigue.

How should you decide if a helmet’s potential safety benefits outweigh its potential risks for you? Consider your particular riding conditions. Consider factors such as your riding environment and your riding style and ability. Also consider the likelihood of traffic congestion, and the water surface conditions. If you decide to wear a helmet based upon your riding circum- stances, choose one carefully. Look for a helmet designed for personal watercraft use, if possible. Consider a helmet meeting Snell or DOT standards. If you will be engaging in closed-course competition, follow the helmet requirements of the sanctioning organization.

●Never operate the watercraft after consum- ing alcohol or taking other drugs.

●For reasons of safety and proper care of the watercraft, always perform the pre-opera- tion checks listed on page 48 before operat- ing the watercraft.

●The operator and passenger should always keep their feet on the floor of the footwell when the watercraft is in motion. Lifting your feet increases the chances of losing your balance, or hitting objects outside the wa- tercraft with your feet. Do not give a ride to a child whose feet cannot reach the floor of the footwell.

●The passenger should firmly hold on to the operator.

●Never allow a passenger to ride in front of the operator.

●Always consult your doctor on whether it is safe for you to ride this watercraft if you are pregnant or in poor health.

●Do not attempt to modify this watercraft. Modifications to your watercraft may reduce safety and reliability, and render the water- craft unsafe or illegal for use.

●Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to your left wrist and keep it free from the han- dlebars so that the engine stops if you, the operator, fall off. After riding, remove the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) from the wa-

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