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Personal watercraft (jet-skis) are fast, fun and exciting, but they can also be a risk if you don’t ride them safely
To protect yourself and others, here’s what you need to remember next time you jump on one.
1. Travel at a safe speed
When you’re within 50 metres of swimmers, boats and jetties, the speed limit is 5 knots or 9kmph. The same applies when you’re 200 or 500m from the shoreline, depending on where you are and within 100m of a dive flag.
No boating zones are clearly marked by beacons. Check them out as you approach any beach setting. These areas are for swimmers only so you should not be landing on the beach in these zones.
2. Limit the circle work
Irregular Riding or ‘freestyling’ is not permitted within the 5 knots zones.
While freestyling is allowed out wide, you must always maintain a proper lookout for other vessels when doing circle work.
Safe Transport Victoria has seen collisions and serious injuries from this activity.
Please remember, there is no injury insurance in your PWC registration fee, so consider what protections you have in other policies.
3. Always wear a lifejacket and protective clothing
Correct clothing will protect you from internal injuries from water jets should you fall off or come near the outlet of a jet-ski, while a well-fitted lifejacket can keep you afloat if you get separated from your jet-ski or are unconscious in the water.
Suitable clothing could be a wetsuit or even long pants.
4. Check your battery and fuel before you hit the water
Break downs by PWCs are becoming more common so it's good to be prepared.
Carry a means of calling for help and carry it on you - if you do find yourself in a breakdown situation call 000.
You must also make sure you are carrying your marine licence with a PWC endorsement.
Paddleboarding is a popular pastime however it’s important to be prepared before you hit the water so you’re not caught out by wild weather.
Wind is a major risk for paddleboarders. While you may be setting off in smooth waters, offshore winds create breaking waves within 500m of the shore meaning you may end up in choppy seas faster than you think.
Here’s what you need to know before you go!
Top safety tips for Standup Paddleboards
- Lifejackets: lifejackets are required to be worn on Standup Paddleboards when greater than 400m from the shore, however Safe Transport Victoria recommends wearing a lifejacket whenever on the water.
- Wear a leg leash: paddleboarders need to utilise a leg leash. A leg leash connects the operator to their craft and so they are less likely to become separated.
- Carry waterproof communication devices: even on a paddleboard, communication devices (as a means of calling for help) are important to carry at all times. This could be as simple as a phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Check the weather before you go: understand how offshore winds present at your chosen location. Avoid paddling in offshore winds. Use BOM MetEye or Boating Vic App to verify wind strengths and directions. Conditions can change quickly; paddleboards are more likely to be affected by offshore winds and can easily be blown out into deeper water.
Be Aware: Inflatable boards have more windage and are harder to paddle in a breeze. If you are not wearing a leash - your board may windmill away from you.
For more information and safety advice on paddle crafts visit: https://transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/recreational-boating/paddle-craft