Jet Ski handling

Pre-starts are the most important part of jet ski safety. The last thing you want is for your jet ski to break down and put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Use the manufacturer’s prestart checklist, which you’ll find in the handbook.

Learn how to identify hazards prior to launching your jet ski. Slippery surfaces at low tide are one example, and beware of surging waves.

Remove the retaining straps but never disconnect your winch line before reversing down the ramp. Watch the end of the ramp because if your trailer drops off, it may be difficult to retrieve.

Always wear footwear as ramps are notorious for submerged hazards such as rocks, oysters and broken glass that can cut your feet. 

In moving or choppy water, or when the wind is blowing you off the dock, this can be a challenging process. Best practice is to have a line ready before you start the manoeuvre, and then approach the dock at about 30 degrees.

When the bow is close to contacting the dock, put the jet ski into reverse and turn the handlebars so the stern swings towards the dock. Hint: keep a dock line handy. 

If it’s windy or choppy, drive out of the saddle in the standing position. This helps minimise the impact on your body as your legs absorb the shock. Standing also reduces the constant sea spray hitting your eyes.

The sitting position is preferred in smooth waters and helps keep the ski’s centre of gravity low.

A jet ski doesn’t turn unless you’re accelerating. For affective turning, you must apply a constant amount of acceleration while leaning into the turn in the standing position.

Look ahead and at the exit point of your turn, and check who’s behind you before turning by using the rear-vision mirrors or looking over your shoulder. 

Capsizing can happen during aggressive manoeuvres or when carrying passengers. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s advice on which way to right it because water may enter the engine via the exhaust pipe, preventing re-start and causing potentially expensive damage.

Most manufacturers will have a decal located on bottom of the ski, indicating the direction to roll it back upright. If your safety lanyard has not pulled out of the kill switch, disengage it manually and stop the engine. Account for everybody and their safety.

When launching your jet ski from the beach, start the ski in at least 40cm of water to avoid sucking in sand through the intake. This same rule applies when beaching the ski, so make sure you cut the engine prior to hitting the sand. It’s always safer to glide into the sand at a slow speed without the engine running.

Another safe practice when launching from sand is to have the jet ski facing out to sea so you hit the swell or waves square on. This will prevent the ski washing back onto you while you’re mounting it. 

Always attach the lanyard to your life jacket or wrist as this will cut the engine when the operator falls into the water. If you’re operating with a passenger in rough conditions, a second lanyard should be stored aboard the jet ski in case the skipper goes overboard and needs help to be recovered.

It’s not uncommon to fall off your jet ski at some stage, so it’s important to remount from the transom using the spring-loaded foot step. 

Every state and territory in Australia enacts the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions, which includes jet skis.

Rule 5 mandates that you maintain a proper lookout at all times by sight and hearing, as well as all available means.

Rule 6 mandates that you navigate at a safe speed, with due regard to your stopping distance.

THE FULL ARTICLE ON JET SKI HANDLING RAN IN THE APRIL-MAY 2024 (VOLUME 39.2) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE PROGUARDING.

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