Are jet skis dangerous? (2024)

Are jet skis dangerous?

Although jet skis account for only 12% of registered recreational vessels, jet ski accidents make up 20% of all recreational boating accidents.

What are the dangers of jet skis?

How dangerous is falling off a jetski?

Head and spinal injuries can result from hitting the water fast. Broken limbs: Arms, wrists, and legs can become swollen or broken after a fall. Burns can occur when the jet ski engine ignites. Whiplash can also be caused by hitting water at high speed.

Do jet skis flip easily?

Because they sit on top of the water, jet skis have a natural propensity to turn over in the water.

Are jet ski accidents common?

The United States Coast Guard reported 721 jet ski accidents in 2019. This statistic is a stark reminder of the potential danger of jet skiing.

What happens if a jet ski flips over?

Rotating the personal watercraft (PWC) in the wrong direction can allow water to enter the engine compartment. This would be bad for the engine and safe operation of the personal watercraft (PWC).

Is a boat safer than a jet ski?

Jet skis make up a fifth of recreational boating accidents

Based on the Coast Guard statistics, jet skis are, in fact, more dangerous than boats or any other vessel.

How do most jet ski accidents happen?

Risks of Injury on Jet Skis

Personal watercraft accidents can result from collisions with other vessels, groundings, striking stationary objects, passengers being thrown from the vessel, sudden starts/stops, and break-neck turns.

Do jetskis tip over?

Are jet skis stable, can they tip over? Modern jet skis are very stable, you can stand on one side without flipping the jet ski over. Extra passengers may increase the risk of tipping over or falling off, but ultimately safe control rests with the driver.

Is jet skiing safe for non swimmers?

Absolutely! You won't need to swim. The vests hold you up if you fall off the jet ski, but it's not hard to stay on. We all jumped in anyway at one point, as our guide let us, even my wife, who can't swim.

Do you lean into a turn on a jet ski?

Yes, when turning a jet ski, you should lean your body in the direction of the turn. This helps to balance the jet ski and maintain control during the turn.

Will a jet ski sink if it flips?

A flipped PWC won't sink because its hull is designed to float even if it takes on water. There could be potential damage to the vessel if certain parts become and then stay flooded though.

How often do jet skis break?

Most manufacturers produce machines designed to last around 10 years; at 30 hours a year, the approximate average lifespan of a PWC would be around 300 hours.

What is the most common injury on a jet ski?

1. Whiplash. Whiplash normally occurs when a sudden, unexpected movement jerks your body too quickly for you to react. You can suffer from whiplash pretty much anywhere with high speeds involved, which makes it one of the most common jet ski injuries.

How shallow of water can a jet ski go?

Contrary to popular belief, jet skis aren't designed to run in shallow water. This is because their pumps are prone to sucking up objects from the bottom like rocks, sand, or trash. Because of this concern, manufacturers recommend that you not operate a jet ski in water shallower than 3 feet.

How safe is jet ski in ocean?

Ocean water is extremely damaging to a jet ski so it is important to give your ride a little extra post-ride care so that it will last for years-to-come. Here are a few tips on what you should do after riding your jet ski in the ocean.

Is it safe to jump waves on jet ski?

It is important to take the time to focus, especially if you are new to the jet ski world. Going full throttle and attacking large waves can leave you injured. Gain experience by taking your time and practicing on smaller waves before you challenge larger, harsher water currents.

Can a shark knock over a jet ski?

It's rare for jet ski shark attacks to happen, but minute or major, the chance is always there.

What age is safe for a jetski?

It is recommended that you not take children under two years old with you on the jet ski. If your children are between 3 and 7 years old, you need to think about how they will handle being on a jet ski, and it is up to you to decide whether or not it is a good idea.

How do you stay safe on a jet ski?

Each rider should wear eye protection, a wetsuit (in colder weather), footwear and gloves. Always watch for bad weather conditions. Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the pump intake. Never operate a jet ski in water that's less than 24-inches deep.

What is a fun fact about jet skiing?

The original concept of a PWC can be traced back to a man by the name of Clayton Jacobsen. His simple craft was designed to let people ski across water without the need to use a larger boat. The Jet Ski didn't come into the spotlight until Kawasaki decided to mass produce them, giving it the name we know today.

What would cause a jet ski to take on water?

Whether it's from rainwater that seeps in through a seat left ajar during storage, aggressive riding where the bow is frequently buried below the waves or even a saddle that wasn't properly latched and sealed after removal, water may occasionally get inside the engine compartment of your craft.

Are jet skis safer than motorcycles?

Although jet skis can be dangerous if you're too reckless or inexperienced, in general, riding a jet ski is still much safer compared to riding a motorcycle. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's yearly accident reports, there are around 600-700 jet ski accidents each year which result in at least 30-50 fatalities.

Do all jet skis shoot water out the back?

Only Yamaha Waverunners shoot water up into the air at the back of the jet ski. Both Sea-Doo and Kawasaki do not have anything similar to the rooster tail found on most Yamaha Waverunners.

Why do jet skis turn around when you fall off?

The thinking that jet skis go in circles if you fall off is an old and way outdated thing. Before safety lanyards, which came around in the '90s, a jet ski would idle away and often in a circle as that is how the handlebars were left when the rider fell off.