Boat Smart: Safety

Boat smart

Be smart from the start
SEA-DOO Safety Tips
Boating Safety Courses

Be smart from the start.

As part of our commitment to your safety, we package an Operator's Guide, Safety Video and Safety Handbook with every new watercraft and sportboat. We urge you to familiarize yourself with them all before heading out on the water, as well as with: ·

• all on-product labels ·
• all applicable federal, state/provincial and local laws and regulations ·
• the Sea-Doo Safety Tips

Remember that safety is of the utmost importance when riding your personal watercraft or sport boat. We value you, our world's waterways and the rights of other boaters. By following a few simple rules everyone can share and enjoy the water. After all, getting your adrenaline pumping on the open water isn't just serious fun, it's a serious responsibility.

SEA-DOO Safety Tips

Please keep these safety tips in your watercraft or sport boat at all times and make sure that you and everyone aboard understands them all prior to leaving dock and observes them once out on the water.

• Know and understand all operational features of the craft you are riding – read and follow your Operator's Guide.
• Ensure your boat is Coast Guard-compliant and have all required equipment.
• Securely attach engine cutoff lanyard to your wrist or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Keep attached at all times.
• All PWC riders must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD. All riders must wear a wet suit bottom or clothing that provides equivalent protection. Normal swimwear does not adequately protect against forceful entry into lower body opening(s) of males or females. Protective clothing such as wetsuit bottom, eye protection, footwear and gloves are also recommended.
• Know your vessel’s capacity – don't overload.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Constantly look in all directions for skiers, divers, swimmers and other boats.
• Keep a safe distance! Avoid wake jumping, splashing and passing close to any other vessels.
• Know the waters you will be operating in and observe all applicable federal, state and local boating laws.
• Know the weather conditions – tune into your local forecast.
• Steer clear of all restricted areas.
• Obey ALL posted signs, such as: "NO WAKE," "RIGHT OF WAY," "IDLE" and other navigation signs.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating a watercraft or sport boat.
• All operators must be of legal age to operate the craft you will be riding.
• Bombardier Recreational Products recommends a minimum operator of 16 years of age to ride.
• Always operate at a safe speed and be prepared to stop or alter course in emergencies. Ride within your limits, and allow sufficient distance to stop.
• Whether you're heading in or out, always maintain a slow speed until you're in a clear area, away from shore.
• Know and understand right-of-way rules.
• Remember you need throttle power to steer.
• Stay in sight of shore, but avoid operating too close to residential and congested areas. Be considerate of others who share the waterways.
• A boating safety course is strongly recommended.

Boating Safety Courses

No matter the size of your Sea-Doo personal watercraft or sport boat, it is your responsibility to know and obey all applicable rules. The best way to become a knowledgeable boater is by taking a recognized Safe Boating Course such as those offered through your local Marine Patrol, Power Squadron or other authorized organization.

Free On-Line Boating Safety Course

Take the free On-Line Boating Safety Course to learn more about basic PWC operation and boating laws. It is recognized by many states that have mandatory boating education requirements and may qualify you for an insurance discount.

The On-Line Boating Safety Course is brought to you by Bombardier Recreational Products and the Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety.

Find a Boating Safety Course near you

Finding a boating safety course in your area that is offered by either a public or private provider in the USA is easy. Just click on the link and enter your ZIP code.

This service is brought to you by Bombardier Recreational Products and the Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety.

NASBLA-Approved Boating Safety Courses

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators also provides a comprehensive list of NASBLA-approved boating safety courses available throughout the USA and Canada.