Yamaha 2009 Wave Runner Operator's Manual page 18

Safety information
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-
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ing alcohol or taking other drugs.
For reasons of safety and proper care of the
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watercraft, always perform the pre-opera-
tion checks listed on page 41 before operat-
ing the watercraft.
The operator and passengers should al-
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ways keep their feet on the floor of the foot-
well when the watercraft is in motion. Lifting
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your feet increases the chances of losing
your balance, or hitting objects outside the
watercraft with your feet. Do not give a ride
to children if their feet cannot reach the floor
of the footwell.
The passengers should hold on firmly, ei-
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ther to the person in front of them or to the
handgrip provided.
Never allow a passenger to ride in front of
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the operator.
Always consult your doctor on whether it is
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safe for you to ride this watercraft if you are
pregnant or in poor health.
Do not attempt to modify this watercraft.
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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
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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-