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 wa- tercraft, 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. Also, 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 1 passenger. Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow more than 2 persons to ride the watercraft at any time.

Maximum load: 160 kg (353 lb)

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

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Learning to operate your watercraft

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

48.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 fabrics, like those used in bicycle shorts. A full wetsuit can also protect against hypothermia

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