PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) you and each of your passengers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (Life Vest). Anyone being towed by the PWC (tube, wake board, etc.) must also wear an approved life vest.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher must be on board. If this is the first outing of the PWC season, you may want to test the fire extinguisher with a quick squeeze before heading to the lake (just remember to avoid pointing it at children, small animals or the wife/girlfriend during test firing) Most PWC fire extinguishers do not have pressure gauges and may seem full with even though they have zero pressure inside.

WHISTLE or HORN PWC laws require you to carry a whistle or horn for distress signaling and warning other PWCers/Boaters. Most states require that the sound making device (whistle or horn) be “immediately available” – i.e. attached to your life vest or lanyard.

EYE PROTECTION wrap around sun glasses will suffice but goggles offer the best eye protection. (Tip – Buy some cheap sun glasses that you wouldn’t mind watching sink to the bottom of the lake and save the expensive Oakley’s for on land activities.)

PERSONAL PROTECTION shoes, race boots or “water socks” will not only give you added traction and control but protect your feet when boarding and unboarding. You may also want to consider purchasing a good pair of watercraft gloves to ensure a tight grip on those wet controls. Finally, if you plan to ride in colder weather a good wetsuit or dry suit would be a wise investment.

TOW ROPE / DOCK ROPE always keep a strong, well maintained rope in your personal watercraft.

COMPACT/TELESCOPING PADDLE stored in one of your PWC compartments will be extremely handy if you happen to break down on the water without any towing help around. It could make the difference of you having to swim to shore or not.

WATERPROOF BAG or CONTAINER for important documents such as registration information, ID, wallet, and owner’s manual.

CELL PHONE You may not want to risk destroying your phone by getting it wet or losing it to the ocean floor, but if you have it enclosed in a water-tight, floating bag, you will be glad you have it along in case of an emergency.

WATERPROOF FIRST AID KIT  Its a very good idea to carry a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic towelettes, adhesive tape, Povidone-Iodine Betadine, triple antibiotic, sunscreen, tweezers, Acetaminophen, latex gloves, sting relief pad, single edge razor blade and First Aid instructions (such as Part Number 59-3419)

BASIC WATERCRAFT TOOL KIT you don’t need to bring along the entire Snap-on tool chest! Just a few commonly used tools you might need. Screw drivers, spark plug wrench, crescent wrench, allen wrenches and such. In fact keep the good tools on shore and buy a cheap set that you wont mind losing or lending to fellow PWCers in mechanical distress. Also, toss in some extra hose clamps, spark plugs, tie wraps, electrical tape, pocket knife, and the universal fix it tool – duct tape.

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