Essential Personal Watercraft (PWC) Riding Safety Guidelines

If you want to make your marine adventures more fun and memorable, invest in a personal watercraft (or PWC). These incredible machines are agile, speedy, and perfect for various on-water activities, including fishing, casual cruising, and participating in marine competitions.

Team Winnebagoland Marine Center is your local PWC dealer in Oshkosh, WI, and we care for your safety. Our experts have created this guide to discuss a few tips for riding your personal watercraft safely, so keep reading to learn more!

Wear a Life Jacket

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, you’ll want to prioritize safety on the water by wearing a life jacket. If you have a passenger, you’ll want to ensure they wear their life jacket, too. When shopping for a life jacket, look for a U.S. Coast Guard-approved model that fits you properly and is suitable for PWC use.

Be Mindful of Your Speed and Following Distance

While speed adds to the thrill of riding a PWC, you’ll want to balance exhilaration with caution. Always maintain a safe speed, especially around other vessels, swimmers, or congested areas. At the same time, keep a safe distance from other boats, buoys, and shorelines so you have sufficient time and space to avoid a collision.

Be Vigilant of Your Surroundings

Furthermore, be vigilant of your surroundings when riding your PWC. You’ll want to watch other boats, swimmers, floating debris, and changing water conditions and maintain extra space around larger vessels that may have limited visibility or longer stopping distances.

We hope you find these tips handy when riding your PWC. If you need more safety advice or are still searching for a reliable personal watercraft, contact Team Winnebagoland Powersports Center. We have a fine selection of premium machines and can help you select the perfect model for your budget and riding experience level. We are in Oshkosh, WI, and proudly serve Green Bay, so reach out today!