Essential Gear Checklist Before Going Into Your Water Adventure

While enjoying water sports, safety is always the number one priority, so we recommend you be prepared in advance.

Unfortunately, negligence can cause jet ski accidents that may lead to serious injuries or worse. As prevention is key when doing any sport -especially water sports- here are some ways in which you can avoid accidents and have a safe ride.

It is crucial to know how jet ski works and how to ride properly, besides having the correct safety equipment. At Arizona Jet Ski Rentals lifejackets and ropes are included in our safety kits, but here is a list of some accessories you may take with you before going into the water.

Jet Ski Safety Equipment You May Have Onboard

Some accessories we recommend you have when going into the water are:

Life Jackets

Life jackets are included in our rental service for up to 4 adults and are the most important accessory. They can save your life! When choosing your life jacket, make sure it fits you properly. Our team of experts will help you ensure it is the correct one for you. Also, make sure that you and your passengers wear it every moment you ride.

Ropes

Ropes are an essential item included in our rental kits. You’ll need them sooner or later while launching or docking your ski and if you (or one of your friends) need to be towed back to the marina.

Swimsuit & Footwear

We recommend your base layer is a comfortable swimsuit. It should fit you properly to wear your life jacket over it. Footwear for water such as water shoes or aqua socks are useful for having a better grip on the footrests and protecting your foot from sharp objects.

Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Sunglasses are a good accessory as they protect you from UV rays, water splashes, and wind. Don’t forget to use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your whole body from the sun, especially exposed parts such as your legs, neck, face, and arms. Reapply every 2 hours for correct coverage.

Hair Accessories

If your hair is long, we suggest you wear a hair tie to prevent it from going over your face and obstructing your vision. A hat or cap may serve this same purpose, as well as protecting you from the sun.

Jet Ski Lanyard

It is a lanyard that you can attach to your life jacket or your wrist. It stops the engine if you ever fall off the seat. You can also have heard about it with the name jet ski safety lanyard, like engine cut-off lanyard, and jet ski lanyard.

Jet Ski Fire Extinguisher

Although fire on jet skis is not common, we suggest you keep a fire extinguisher to keep on board. Consider it needs to be in serviceable condition!

Air Horn/Whistle

A whistle or air horn, as well as anything that is sound-producing, may be useful in case of emergency.

Ventilation

We perform thorough quality checks on all our jet skis before every rental, but if you own your jet ski, we recommend you take out the seat and search for gas vapors before you start. Jet skis are equipped with a passive ventilation system, though it is inefficient when not in motion, so flammable gas vapors may accumulate while your jet ski is not in use.

Additional Jet Ski Safety Equipment That We Recommend for Maximum Protection

Jet Ski First Aid Kits

It never hurts to get one and keep it onboard. While there are no special jet ski first aid kits, we suggest you choose from several small-sized first aid kits designed for boaters.

Flashlights

You aren’t allowed to ride your jet skis in the dark by law, and, besides, it is very dangerous! If you break down and get stalled after dark on the water, this item is crucial. You can also flash SOS with your light in case of need, so we highly recommend you keep a flashlight with you.

Jet Ski VHF Radio

Just like insurance, you will probably not need it until you do! There are small handheld jet ski VHF radios on the market that you can easily store on your jet skis.

Clothes

Always consider keeping some warm clothes onboard, and don’t forget protection from the sun as well. Beyond the basic clothes, you may want to choose suits, shoes, gloves, goggles, sunglasses, and helmets.

Tools & Knife

You won’t need them daily, but keeping a knife on your jet ski is wise. You may have to cut ropes sometimes, for example, when your pump sucks up your top rope. Beyond the knife, you can also consider having a small tool kit. Make sure your knife is stored properly in a secure place.

Complete Jet Ski Safety Kit

You can find complete jet ski safety kits on the market. These are sometimes called jet ski emergency kits or PWC emergency bags. They contain the most important jet ski safety gear you’ll need on the water. They can vary in price, size, and content. Note that they usually don’t include the life jackets and safety lanyards, which you’ll need in any case. You must always make sure you purchase these additional items separately!

Ensure Your Jet Ski Ride Is Safe & Prepared

There is a large list of jet ski safety equipment. We recommend you have everything before going into the water. Check your state’s applicable laws, as depending on the state, you may have to keep additional safety gear onboard. Don’t forget that you may need several other items on the water. Contact our Arizona’s leading jet ski rentals team at Az Jet Ski Rentals for a safe and fun ride!