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WATERCRAFT SAFETY

  • Watercraft may not be operated by anyone that is under the influence of any legal or illegal drugs or alcohol.

  • Anyone driving will have signed paperwork and attended drivers' demonstration drive.

  • Watercraft operation is not allowed from dusk to dawn.

  • Maintain safe speed and safe distance from other watercraft, objects and people.

  • Monitor surroundings at all times.

  • Do not enter the water with the engine running.  Be sure key has been removed.

  • Conduct head count before starting engine.

  • Always remain seated while watercraft is in motion.

  • Be aware of depth, do not enter shallow water with watercraft.

  • Watercraft do not have brakes, cutting the engine does not stop watercraft.

~Overall safety~

Group of people aboard a Dockside Water Sports 27' Pontoon Rental

~tritoon safety~

  • No SITTING on front, sides or rear of boat while the engine is running.

  • Keep gates closed and participants seated inside the gated area while engine is running.

  • Towing other boats is not permitted.

~sea doo safety~

  • Jet Skis have jet-drives which suck water into the impeller - if any loose items, sand, body parts, etc. are near the impeller you risk A) injury B) ruining the impellor - which will cost YOU a minimum of $750.00 to replace.

  • Never apply throttle when a person is in the water near the jet ski- see safety tip above.

  • Lifejacket's must be worn (with lanyard attached) while the engine is running.

  • Horseplay is not allowed - no spraying, splashing or wake jumping.

  • Stopping the engine and/or applying the neutral throttle will not stop forward motion. 

  • Steering control is lost when the throttle is released or when engine is off.  The thrust of the jet-drive is how you steer the jet ski.

  • Remain 150' from ALL other watercraft UNLESS you are on a parallel course OR if you are at "no-wake" speed.

  • Remain 200' from all shorelines UNLESS you are at a "no-wake" speed.

~safety guidelines~

  1. Follow all Michigan laws and rules regarding legal operation of vessel.

  2. Only operate vessel in designated safe areas.

  3. Not allow anyone under the age of 21 to operate the vessel.

  4. Not allow anyone who is under the influence of drugs/alcohol to operate vessel.

  5. Not allow anyone to jump off the vessel while the engine is running.

  6. Take extreme caution if tubing knowing that it is a dangerous activity.

  7. Tubing is not allowed behind a Jet Ski.

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~safety checklist~

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  1. Will not operate the vessel until he/she has been shown how to safely board and debark the vessel.

  2. Will not operate the vessel until he/she has been shown how to properly start the vessel.

  3. Will not operate the vessel until he/she has been shown how to properly shut off the vessel.

  4. Will not operate until he/she has been shown how to properly fuel the vessel.

  5. Will not operate until he/she has been shown the dangerous areas around the vessel.

  6. Will not operate until he/she has been shown how to do the following: steer, raise and lower the motor, increase and decrease speed using the throttle and how to operate in reverse.

  7. Will not operate until he/she has been shown where to find safety devices, i.e. life jackets, horn, fire extinguisher and throwable life preserver. 

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