Jet ski safety
A quick, honest checklist to run through before you drop in — and the rules that keep the whole ride-out safe.
Before every launch
- •Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket — not stowed, worn.
- •Attach the engine cut-off lanyard to your wrist or vest.
- •Check fuel: one third out, one third back, one third reserve.
- •Confirm the drain plugs are in and the bilge is dry.
- •File a float plan — tell someone your launch spot and return time.
Weather & water limits
- •Check the tide window and wind before you trailer up — offshore wind builds chop fast.
- •Sustained wind over 15–20 mph or 2 ft+ chop means small skis get punished.
- •Watch thunderstorm timing; open water is the worst place to be caught.
- •Cold water under 60°F calls for a wetsuit — hypothermia beats swim skill.
On the water rules
- •You have no brakes — you steer only under throttle. Plan your line early.
- •Give way to vessels on your right; pass port-to-port when meeting head on.
- •Stay 100 ft off swimmers, divers-down flags, docks and anchored boats.
- •No wake within posted no-wake zones and inside marinas.
- •Never jump a boat wake where you can't see what's on the other side.
Group ride-out etiquette
- •Ride in a loose staggered line, never directly behind another ski.
- •Agree on hand signals and a lead/sweep rider before leaving the ramp.
- •Nobody rides alone off the back — the sweep waits for the slowest ski.
- •Set regroup points so a breakdown never leaves someone stranded.
If something goes wrong
- •Stay with the ski — it floats and it's far easier to spot than a swimmer.
- •Reboard from the stern; most capsized skis have a printed roll direction.
- •Carry a whistle, a phone in a dry pouch, and ideally a handheld VHF.
- •Hail the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 for emergencies.
Local rules vary by state and waterway. Always follow your state boating laws and take a certified safety course.