Operation

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-

vided, and keep their feet on the floor of the footwell. Never allow a passenger to ride in front of the operator.

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WARNING

When passengers are on board, make sure that they are holding on firmly and have their feet on the floor of the footwell before you start to accelerate.

When pulling a water-skier, the spotter should face to the rear while holding the handgrip with both hands. The spotter should always sit astride the seat with both feet placed firmly on the floor of the footwell for proper balance. Follow state laws regarding water-skiing, such as those for skier-down flags, rearward- facing spotter, and other requirements.

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Starting the watercraft

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WARNING

●Scan constantly for people, objects, and other watercraft. Be alert for conditions that limit your visibility or block your vi- sion of others.

●Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep a safe distance away from people, objects, and other watercraft.

●Do not follow directly behind watercraft or other boats. Do not go near others to spray or splash them with water. Avoid sharp turns or other maneuvers that make it hard for others to avoid you or understand where you are going. Avoid areas with submerged objects or shal- low water.

●Take early action to avoid collisions. Re- member, watercraft and other boats do not have brakes. Do not release the throttle lever when trying to steer away from objects—you need throttle to steer.

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