With the weather beginning to warm up, it will soon be time to break out the jet skis and head to the lake for fun in the sun. As exhilarating as jet skis can be, they can also be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. Unfortunately, regulations are not very strict when it comes to jet ski operation – almost anyone with a desire to ride can rent a jet ski, even if they are first-time riders with no experience in how to safely operate the watercraft. Inexperience and intoxication are two of the most common causes of serious or fatal jet ski accidents.
Before you head out, make sure you are familiar with the following safety tips to help you avoid a preventable accident.
- Watch out for swimmers. Riders aren’t the only people at risk of being involved in a jet ski accident – anyone in the jet ski’s vicinity is at risk. Just as cars have a duty to share the road, watercraft operators have a duty to share the lake. Be mindful of where you ride and ensure that there is enough space between your craft, other crafts, and swimmers.
- Wear a life jacket. Even if you’re an experienced rider, it is always a good idea to wear a life jacket. If the unexpected happens and you get into an accident, it could mean the difference between life and death.
- Never ride if you have been drinking. Operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol can not only get you into legal trouble, but it places you and everyone around you in danger.
Following these tips will go a long way in helping to prevent a serious accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a jet ski or boat, please contact Presley & Presley, LLC to speak with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. We accept cases nationwide.