Southern Californians Should Play It Safe On Personal Watercraft, Says Auto Club; Higher Percentage of Southland Boating Accidents Involve Personal Watercraft
LOS ANGELES--Aug. 30, 2001--As local water lovers get ready to head out this Labor Day weekend to their last beach and river trips of the summer, the Automobile Club of Southern California is warning boaters to take safety precautions when using boats and personal watercraft.California boating accidents killed 51 people and injured 524 last year, representing a 7.9 percent increase over 1999, according to the California Department of Boating and Waterways' Boating Safety Report.
The department reports a 76 percent statewide increase in the number of registered personal watercraft between 1993 and 2000. With that increase, accidents involving Jet Skis(R), Sea-Doos(R) or other personal watercraft have also risen.
Personal watercraft were involved in 38 percent of all Southern California boating accidents last year, and that percentage may continue to grow with the numbers of personal watercraft.
"Personal watercraft are an increasingly popular way to enjoy the water, but boaters need to realize that they're driving a vehicle and they must take safety precautions just like they do in their cars," said Cortland Ray, Auto Club vice president for insurance claims. "They need to learn how to operate the vehicle properly, and be adequately insured in the event of an accident."
One out of every five boating accidents in California last year occurred during the holiday periods of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, according to the state boating report, so boaters planning to head out on the water this Labor Day weekend should be aware of the increased potential for accidents.
Personal watercraft operate differently than a conventional boat, so even experienced boaters need additional training in their use, according to boating experts. When they approach a potentially hazardous situation, many personal watercraft riders instinctively panic and release the throttle to slow down and try to steer around a problem. But without power, the personal watercraft won't turn.
The Auto Club recommends these safety tips for personal watercraft owners:
| -- | Carefully review instructions and safety information for your personal watercraft before heading for the water. New operators should become familiar with their machines away from other traffic first. |
| -- | Take a safe boating class. |
| -- | Wear a lifejacket. In 2000, 43 of the 51 persons killed in California boating accidents were not wearing a lifejacket, according to the California Boating Safety Report. |
| -- | Be alert when operating near shore. Low water has exposed sand bars, rocks, pilings, logs and other hazards. |
| -- | Take frequent rest breaks to avoid fatigue, which can lead to a mishap. |
| -- | Be sure anyone who operates your personal watercraft can legally do so. In California, solo riders operating a craft of 15 horsepower or more must be at least 16 years old. |
| -- | Avoid alcohol. If you operate a boat or personal watercraft while intoxicated (blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher), you are breaking the law. |
| -- | Use your shut-off lanyard. Lanyards attach to lifejackets and automatically shut off the engine if you become separated from your personal watercraft |
| -- | Follow local boating laws and regulations. |
The Auto Club offers its qualified members who are boat owners a complete line of insurance coverage for nearly all types of vessels and personal watercraft through its affiliated Interinsurance Exchange of the Auto Club.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.