BOATING SAFETY
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Education Opportunities
If you have never owned a boat before, you can get an excellent introduction to
boat handling from organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, American Red
Cross or your local authority. Even if you are a veteran boater, these courses
will help sharpen your boating skills as well as bring you up to date on current
rules and regulations. See your local boating agency or dealer for information on
classes in your area.
This manual is not intended to provide complete training on all aspects of boat
operation. We strongly recommend that all operators of this boat seek addi-
tional training on boat handling and safety. Have all operators become familiar
with the handling characteristics, and proper steering and control system usage
before attempting high speed operation.
Some states require youths 16 years of age and younger to complete a boat-
ing safety course before operating any watercraft. Many others require op-
erators under the age of 18 to be licensed in small boat operation. Boat smart
from the start, take a boating safety course and get a free vessel safety check
annually for your boat. For more information, contact: United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary, www.cgaux.org; United States Power Squadrons, 1-888-FOR-
USPS, www.usps.org.
The following is a list of some other agencies and organizations that offer Wa-
ter Safety, First Aid and CPR courses or information. To find boating safety courses
in your area, call your state’s local boating agency or the USCG boating safety
course line at 1-800-336-2628 (1-800-245-2628 in Virginia).
• American Red Cross
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
• U.S. Power Squadrons
• State Boating Offices
• Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons
• Boat Owners Association of the United States
• National Safe Boating Council
• WSIA
• European or international organizations
Operation by Minors
If your boat will be operated by a minor, remember to have an adult present
at all times. Many states have laws regarding minimum age and licensing
requirements for minors. Contact state and local authorities for special
requirements that may apply in your area. NOTE: Some states require boat
training courses/certification.
Passenger Safety
Any time you take your boat out, make sure that there is at least one other
passenger aboard who is familiar with the operation of your boat. Passengers
should be well aware of emergency equipment and shown how to use it.
Passengers should also keep hands and feet in the boat and be safely seated
while the boat is in motion.
The operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of the passengers, all
skiers/riders as well as his/her own safety. The operator should ensure that all
passengers are properly and securely seated in appropriate seating locations
before starting and remain there whenever the boat is in motion. Place persons
and gear in a way that distributes weight evenly.
While the engine is running, and during the boat mooring, all occupants should be
properly seated. DO NOT sit on the engine box, seat backs, aft seating, sunpad,
boarding platform or gunnels. You could fall overboard and be hit by the propel-
ler. DO NOT allow objects, arms or legs, or any other body parts to hang over the
bow or gunnels. DO NOT stand while the boat is moving.
The operator MUST sit in the driver’s seat while the boat is moving and all
passengers should remain properly seated.
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