How to Ride a PWC as a Passenger

There is a lot of information out there about how to safely drive a personal watercraft (or PWC), but it is equally important that any passengers act safely as well. That is why Tracy Motorsports has put together this guideline on how to be a safe PWC passenger.

1. Wear a PFD

No matter what you are doing on the water or what kind of vehicle you are using, a personal flotation device, aka PFD or life jacket, should be worn at all times. No matter how confident you are in your swimming ability, remember that a sudden plunge into the water can disorient you. Before you go out on the water, make sure that your PFD fits you well and is fastened securely. Like any piece of equipment, a PFD should be occasionally checked for wear and tear.

2. Establish Your Limits

As a passenger, you will have no control over the PWC’s speed or direction. Talk with the PWC’s operator beforehand to learn their intentions for the ride and lay out your expectations. Discuss the length of the ride, how fast you will be going, and whether you will be going mostly straight or taking a lot of sharp turns. This exchange of information will help ensure a safe ride for both of you.

3. Board With Care

The operator should always board the personal watercraft first, with however many passengers getting on afterward. Allow all riders to settle and find their balance before departure. All passengers should grab the waist of the person in front of them with both arms, although the passenger behind the operator should take care not to limit the operator’s range of motion. Disembarking from the PWC occurs in the opposite order as embarking, with the operator getting off last.

4. Reboard From the Rear

Should you fall and need to reboard the PWC, you should do so from the rear rather than the sides. Attempting to enter from the sides can unbalance the craft and pull everyone overboard. Grab the rear grab bar and put your feet securely on the boarding ladder.

We here at Tracy Motorsports hope this guide to PWC passenger riding ensures a safe and fun time on the water for everyone. For more information or to view our stock of new and pre-owned personal watercraft, visit our dealership in Tracy, California. We are proud to serve the central California area, and we welcome guests from cities like Discovery Bay and Modesto.