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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 in-
crease 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 poten-
tial 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 likeli-
hood of traffic congestion, and the water
surface conditions.
If you decide to wear a helmet based upon
your riding circumstances, choose one
carefully. Look for a helmet designed for
personal watercraft use, if possible. If you
will be engaging in closed-course competi-
tion, follow the helmet requirements of the
sanctioning organization.
Never operate the watercraft after consum-
G
ing alcohol or taking other drugs.
For reasons of safety and proper care of the
G
watercraft, always perform the pre-opera-
tion checks listed on page 26 before operat-
ing the watercraft.
The operator should always keep both feet
G
or knees on the riding tray when the water-
craft is in motion. Lifting your feet increases
Safety information
the chances of losing your balance or hitting
objects outside the watercraft with your
feet.
Always consult your doctor on whether it is
G
safe for you to operate this watercraft if you
are pregnant or in poor health.
Do not attempt to modify this watercraft.
G
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
G
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-
tercraft to avoid accidental starting or unau-
thorized use by children or others.
Scan carefully for swimmers, and stay
G
away from swimming areas. Swimmers are
hard to see and you could accidentally hit
someone in the water.
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