Memorial Day Weekend means more yachts are out on the water throughout the country. It also means more owners and guests using PWCs. The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA), founded in 1987, is urging everyone to ride safely, and responsibly. We at MegayachtNews.com wish for the same. That’s why we’re supporting the PWIA’s second-annual PWC Safe Rider Program.
The PWC Safe Rider Program has a pledge particularly ideal for families. Parents among you should share it with your children and each sign. That pledge is online: bit.ly/SafeRider. David Dickerson, PWIA’s executive director, says that it goes beyond simple personal safety. “Our pledge encompasses PWC etiquette for riders of every skill level in multiple locations or scenarios,” he explains.
Specifically, the PWC Safe Rider pledge wants you to:
• Scan the water for hazards and other boats
• Avoid aggressive maneuvers
• Follow local boating laws, including rules to prevent the transfer of invasive species
• Examine your equipment
• React to conditions
• Insist on a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, and fixed objects
• Drive sober
• Evaluate weather and waterways
• Respect the environment by avoiding fuel spills and operating close to marine life.
Take a look at the first letter of each of those statements. Together, they spell SAFE RIDER.
If any of you instruct PWC riders, you can also download safety and course materials. There’s further a short handbook called Riding Rules for Personal Watercraft and a PWC Orientation Checklist. All are at the PWIA website.
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