How To Safely Upright a Flipped Jet Ski

Step-by-Step Guide To Safely Upright Your Jet Ski In Arizona

Flipping a jet ski might seem alarming, but it’s actually more common than you think (even skilled riders experience it occasionally). Knowing how to safely upright a flipped ski is useful for protecting yourself, your passengers, and your equipment, and that’s why we’re ready to help.

Whether you’re a jet ski beginner or an experienced rider brushing up your skills, this guide walks you step-by-step through safely getting back upright and riding again in no time.

Immediate Safety Precautions After Flipping Your Jet Ski

The first thing to do is to stay calm because panicking will only complicate things. Verify that everyone on board is safe and that they’re wearing appropriate gear, such as life vests, as these can reduce the risk of injury.

The next step is to turn off the engine immediately. This is crucial to avoid water entering the engine and damaging it. The longer it stays upside down, the higher the chances of internal water damage. It’s essential to remove all the water from the engine to prevent potential damage and engine failure.

You should also familiarize yourself with the jet ski model’s flip recovery and emergency steps, even if you opt for jet ski rentals in Arizona. These instructions are usually visible on a sticker located on the hull.

Knowing these recovery steps will help you react quickly and correctly during an emergency. If you can turn over the jet ski, but the engine doesn’t start, it may have been flooded by water and will need to be towed back to shore.

If you cannot flip the jet ski back on your own, towing it back to shore or carefully swimming it to land is the safest option.

How To Identify Your Jet Ski’s Correct Orientation Before Uprighting

Before attempting to flip your jet ski back upright, we always recommend identifying the correct orientation to prevent engine damage. As we mentioned before, most jet skis feature clear directional arrows or stickers on the stern (rear) or hull that indicate which direction to roll the craft safely.

If you cannot see these arrows, you can refer to the owner’s manual beforehand to become familiar with the recommended procedure.

Flipping the jet ski in the wrong direction can cause a lot of damage to the jet ski’s engine, including flooding. That’s why we insist on taking a moment, staying calm, and confirming the correct rotation direction before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Guide: Safely Uprighting Your Jet Ski In Arizona

Here’s our brief step-by-step guide with the best way to upright your Arizona jet ski and avoid more damage or issues:

Approach from the Rear: Swim cautiously toward your flipped jet ski watercraft, approaching from the rear to stay clear of any submerged hazards.
Grip the Intake Grate or Handlebars: Firmly grasp the intake grate located at the rear underside of the jet ski or securely hold the handlebars. These points offer sturdy leverage, allowing you to maintain control and efficiently rotate the jet ski without slipping.
Proper Body Position: Position yourself close to the jet ski, planting your feet beneath you in the water for added stability. Prepare to leverage your body weight evenly by leaning slightly backward.
Slowly Rotate the Jet Ski: Applying steady, controlled pressure, gently roll the jet ski in the direction indicated by the manufacturer. Avoid quick or forceful movements, as rapid rotation could cause additional damage.
Check Stability Before Remounting: Once the jet ski returns to an upright position, pause briefly to ensure it floats evenly and remains stable.

Restarting & Reboarding Your Jet Ski: The Safe Way

After successfully uprighting your jet ski, you must follow a careful restart process to avoid mechanical issues. First, inspect the jet ski to ensure there are no signs of damage or water entry, especially around the engine compartment. If it looks dry and safe, you can insert the safety key and restart the engine gently.

Listen closely for abnormal noises and check the dashboard indicators for any warnings. Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes to clear out any remaining water and verify smooth performance before resuming your ride.

Once the engine is in good condition and ready to work, you can continue with the reboarding. Always reboard from the rear area to prevent instability that could cause it to flip again. Getting on from the back helps distribute your weight evenly, improving stability.

Remember that many jet ski models have a retractable reboarding step to make it easier to reboard. If your jet ski lacks this feature, you will need to use your upper body strength to pull yourself back onto the jet ski. Always ensure the engine is turned off before attempting to mount the jet ski to avoid any accidental injuries.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Uprighting Your Jet Ski

Here’s a short list of some mistakes to avoid when trying to flip your ski:

Incorrect flipping direction: Always follow the directional arrow provided by the manufacturer. Ignoring this can result in costly water damage to the engine.
Restarting too quickly: Attempting to restart immediately after flipping can flood your engine. Take your time to ensure the engine is dry and safe to restart.
Ignoring warning signs: If your jet ski sounds unusual or struggles to start, immediately turn it off to prevent further damage and seek professional assistance.

What To Do If Your Jet Ski Won’t Restart After Flipping

If your jet ski fails to restart after following these steps, don’t panic. First, check your safety lanyard to confirm the right attachment. See if there’s no visible water inside the engine compartment, and in case there is, then avoid trying to restart further.

Next, look at dashboard warnings or error messages that may indicate specific issues like battery failure or water ingestion. If you cannot identify or resolve the problem on your own, call for professional help or towing assistance to safely bring the jet ski back to shore.

Preventive Measures To Reduce The Risk Of Flipping Your Jet Ski

To minimize the risk of flipping your jet ski in the future, consider these preventive tips:

Ride within limits: Avoid sharp turns or high speeds beyond your skill level.
Distribute weight evenly: Balance passengers and equipment carefully to improve stability.
Regular maintenance checks: Regularly inspect your jet ski, especially hull integrity, steering, and stability systems.
Be weather-aware: Avoid riding in rough waters or adverse weather conditions.

Get Ready For The Next Adventure At AZ Jet Ski Rental

Knowing how to safely upright a flipped jet ski ensures your safety, protects your valuable equipment, and guarantees uninterrupted enjoyment out on the water, but for a worry-free riding experience, consider renting from professionals who offer reliable equipment and expert guidance.

Ready to hit the waves without worry? Contact us at AZ Jet Ski Rental today for high-quality, well-maintained jet ski rentals and professional Arizona jet ski rental support!