BRP Sea-Doo GTX PRO 130 Operator's Manual page 17

BEFORE YOU GO
If you are planning a ride in cold weather or water, consider adding appropriate
warm clothing such as a complete wet suit or dry suit. Not only will it make your
ride more comfortable, but it may delay or protect you from hypothermia if you fall
into cold water. Be prepared for changing conditions.
H H e e l l m m e e t t s s : : W W e e i i g g h h i i n n g g t t h h e e R R i i s s k k s s v v s s B B e e n n e e f f i i t t s s
Since each option minimizes some risks, but increases others, before each ride
you must decide whether to wear or not wear a helmet based on your particular
situation. If you decide to wear a helmet, look for helmets that meet DOT or Snell
standards, and if possible, choose one designed for motorized watersports.
Helmets are designed to offer some degree of protection in case of impacts to
the head. In most motorized sports, the benefits of wearing a helmet clearly out-
weigh the drawbacks. However, in the case of motorized watersports such as rid-
ing personal watercraft, this is not necessarily true as there are some particular
risks associated with the water.
B B e e n n e e f f i i t t s s
A helmet helps to reduce the risk of injury in case of a head impact against a hard
surface such as another craft in the case of a collision. Similarly, a helmet with a
chin guard might help prevent injuries to the face, jaw or teeth.
R R i i s s k k s s
On the other hand, in some situations when falling off the watercraft, helmets
have a tendency to catch the water, like a "bucket", and put severe stresses on
the neck or spine. This could result in choking, severe or permanent neck or
spine injury or death. Helmets may also interfere with peripheral vision and hear-
ing, or increase fatigue which could contribute to increase the risk of a collision.
R R e e q q u u i i r r e e d d E E q q u u i i p p m m e e n n t t
As the owner of the watercraft, you are responsible for ensuring that all required
safety equipment is aboard. Check your local regulations about requirements.
This could include:
SAFETY INFORMATION 15