Safe riding encouraged for jet skiers by RYA and RNLI
The RYA and RNLI have released a new ‘How to’ video for personal watercraft users.
The two organisations have worked in tandem with the Personal Watercraft Partnership (PWP) to curate a bite-size checklist of advice and tips for how personal watercraft (PWC) users can safely make the most of their time on the water.
Earlier this year, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency called on jet skiers to respect other water users.
The video, ‘Top 5 ways to enjoy a day out on your PWC’, includes safety tips for PWC users as well as helpful advice on how to enjoy your time afloat whilst also causing minimal disturbance to other water users and marine wildlife. This will be the first release in a duo of PWC centric videos. The second, ‘Top tips for staying safe on your PWC’ will be released shortly.
The RYA has also been working with the PWP to improve welcome signage at launch sites. It is hoped the initiative will help to make PWC users feel welcomed and provide some reminders for safe and considerate riding. The graphics are available for free to harbour authorities and launch sites around the UK, from PWP.
“PWCs are great fun and one of the most accessible ways to get out on the water, but as we see in the video there’s a lot of preparation that goes into a safe and enjoyable day afloat,” says Rachel Andrews, from the RYA. “If you are a first-time user or haven’t ridden a PWC for a while, we’d encourage you to remind yourself of the basics and get trained with the RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course.”
The RYA video on 5 ways to enjoy your PWC shows a PWC with a fuel tank strapped rather haphazardly on the outside, behind the saddle. While perhaps acceptable if attached properly and with a fuel-proof cap, surely this is not something to be encouraged in an official safety video.
Is it not better to start with the PWC’s fuel tank full and return when there is still a good reserve left in it?