Riding a PWC with Your Child

Riding a personal watercraft (PWC) is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Riding with the whole family is even more fun! If you plan on riding your PWC with your children, there are a few factors to consider. Read on to learn how you and your kids can have a safe and fun time on your PWC. If you want to check out some PWCs for sale, call Nielsen Enterprises today. We are located in Lake Villa, Illinois, and we proudly serve those from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

General Safety Tips

Any time you hit the water on a powerful machine, it’s important to put safety first. No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, you need to wear a lifejacket. You should also familiarize yourself with any relevant regulations for your area and make sure you are following them. 

Stay vigilant on the water and be on the lookout for other PWCs or debris. Even a small collison could leave your model damaged. You should also keep a safety shut off lanyard attached to the ignition and your lifejacket at all times. If you are thrown from your PWC, your machine will shut off as long as you have your lanyard attached to your body.

Children-Specific Tips

When it comes to riding your PWC with your children, all of the above safety precautions are still relevant. Make sure your child is wearing a lifejacket at all times. If your kid is new to PWC riding, you’ll want to give them a brief overview on how the craft operates. Communication is critical when riding with two people. In general, the less experienced rider should sit on the back.

When you take your child with you on your PWC, tell them what proper riding practices are. If your child can’t properly fit into a lifejacket, they’re probably too young to be riding in the first place. While riding with kids, avoid any tricky maneuvers.

If your craft permits three riders, put the child in the middle between two adults. Go over the rules before take off so your child knows what to do if they end up in the water. In this case, one adult should kill the engine while the other checks the area for any traffic or hazards before they swim out to the kid.

We hope these tips help you have a safe and fun time on the water with the whole family! If you want any more safety tips or you’re ready to buy a new PWC, contact Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois. From Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we are here to help you make the most of your outdoor adventures!