Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personal watercraft?

A: A personal watercraft (PWC) is a recreational watercraft that 1-4 people can ride or sit on in the water. PWCs have an inboard engine that creates thrust to propel the vehicle through the water. WaveRunners, Jet Skis and Sea-Doos are popular examples of types of personal watercrafts.

Personal Watercraft Uses

PWCs are lightweight and relatively inexpensive compared to boats, which make them an attractive option for both recreational and non-recreational purposes.

PWCs are commonly used for:

Towing surfers so they can catch waves
Rescuing swimmers at lakes and beaches
Studying marine life
Rescuing flood victims
Enforcing laws on lakes and rivers
Coaching rowing teams
Target practice by the U.S. Navy

Personal Watercraft Injuries and Fatalities

Every year the U.S. Coast Guard compiles data on recreational boating, including personal watercraft usage. In its 2007 annual report, the Coast Guard compiled the following casualty data on PWCs:

Drowning Deaths: 14
Other Deaths: 53
Injuries: 982
Total Casualties: 1,049

The highest number of casualties from recreational boating were attributed, in order, to open motorboats, followed by personal watercrafts, cabin motorboats, canoes/kayaks, and lastly, pontoon boats.

Personal Watercraft Safety Tips

The National Association of Rescue Divers recommends that PWC operators follow certain safety tips to avoid accidents:

Check state regulations on Jet Skis
Wear safety equipment like a life jacket and eye protection
Attach a whistle to your life jacket to summon help, if needed
Stay clear of swimming areas and wildlife
Never operate a PWC at night
Don’t engage in boating under the influence (BUI)

If you have been injured in a personal watercraft accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Kiley Law Group, LLP. 1-888-208-1695