BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 06 - Other Water Activities Emergency Preparation

How to Re-Board a Personal Watercraft from Deep Water:

STEP 1: If the personal watercraft (PWC) has capsized, it should be turned upright and in ONE direction only. Check your owner’s manual or the warning sticker located on the stern of the PWC to determine the proper direction to right your PWC.

STEP 2: Swim to the stern of the PWC to re-board it. Never attempt to re-board from the side, because the PWC could flip over on you.

STEP 3: Use the handle on the transom or seat and pull yourself up, placing your knees on the boarding platform.

STEP 4: Once aboard, move forward onto the seat and re-attach your safety lanyard.

Safety Tips for Re-Boarding a Personal Watercraft (PWC):

Practice re-boarding a PWC in chest-deep water (it’s an exhausting procedure!).
Never attempt to re-board when the engine is running—the powerful suction from the jet thrust system may ingest loose items such as long hair, clothing, or the straps of your lifejacket.
If you have a passenger re-boarding the PWC from the water, never start the engine before they have safely re-boarded. The force of the water exiting the jet thrust nozzle could seriously injure them.