A recent Monash University study commissioned by TSV examined data from 2005 to 2015 and found that:

• PWCs are the vessel most commonly involved in marine accidents and account for more than 30% of accidents
• the types of injuries suffered include
  leg fractures and other injuries to knees, legs and feet
• injuries incurred on PWC are a common cause of people needing treatment at hospital
• these injuries are on the rise every year, with more people being admitted to hospital as a consequence.

Many collisions between vessels result from a lack of understanding of the rules of safe navigation and/or carelessness.

Remember, PWC operators are required to:

• maintain a proper lookout and travel at a safe speed at all times
• observe the rules.

PWC operators should:

• check for local rules which may apply specifically to PWCs, such as personal watercraft prohibited zones
• observe the rules
• know their limitations as well as the limitations of the vessel in varying conditions
• be aware of potential hazards (allowing for the action of others, both reasonable and unreasonable)
• follow vessel manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance schedule
• consider joining a PWC riders club or similar organisation to improve skills, knowledge and experience.

When death, injury or property damage occurs, report the incident details as soon as possible to the police officers present or to the police station nearest to where the accident took place.

Remember:

• in surf areas, swimmers may be hidden from view by waves and swell. Keep well away from areas where swimmers are likely to be present
  or slow right down
• do not cut blind corners – slow down
• if vision is affected by the sun or spray – slow down or stop
• keep well clear of anchored or moored vessels
• in channels and narrow stretches of water, you must operate on the right hand or starboard side
• on circular bodies of water, travel in an anticlockwise pattern unless local waterway rules specify otherwise
• stay out of PWC exclusion zones.