Tread Lightly!’s Tips for Responsible Personal Watercraft Use

Read below for some excellent tips on how to Tread Lightly! while riding a PWC.  You can also check out this great 2-minute video.

To view this information in a brochure format, Click Here 

• Travel only in areas open to your type of personal watercraft (PWC).
• Always wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket (PFD).
• When riding make sure your lanyard is attached to your PFD, wrist or clothing.
• Always maintain your PWC at a safe speed.
• If you fall off your PWC, always reboard from the rear.
• Keep an eye out for other boaters, objects, and swimmers. 
• Never jump a wake.
• If crossing a wake, cross at lower speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.
• Comply with all signage and barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and underwater obstructions.
• Make every effort to ride with a partner, even if that person is on a different kind of watercraft.
• Do not attempt to ride at night. PWC’s are not equipped with lights.
• Make certain your trailer lights work and your PWC is secure on the trailer before you travel to your destination.
• Balance your load including items stowed inside your PWC. 

• Show consideration to all recreationists on and around waterways.
• Be courteous to other boaters while in boat ramp areas. Launch and retrieve your PWC as quickly as possible.
• Keep the noise down—especially around the shore.
• Do not idly ride around near beaches, picnicking areas, campground and shoreline residence.
• If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).

• Obtain charts of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of travel.
• Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
• Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements. 
• Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly. Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for the entire trip.
• Make sure your owner’s manual and registration is on board in waterproof containers. 
• Always carry a Coast Guard approved working fire extinguisher. 
• Know your limitations. Apply sunscreen, drink lots of water, and watch your energy level.
• Prepare for the unexpected by packing necessary emergency items.
• Know distress signals and warning symbols.  
• Take a PWC education course to learn more about negotiating waterways and safe and enjoyable PWC riding.
• Make sure your watercraft is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies, and a spill kit.

• Always launch at a designated boat ramp. Backing a vehicle on a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and leads to erosion.
• Always travel slowly in shallow waters and avoid riding in water less than 2½ feet deep. High speeds near shorelines leads to large wake which causes shoreline erosion.
• Sensitive areas to avoid include seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
• Avoid disturbing historical, archeological, and paleontological sites.
• Avoid “spooking” wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.
• Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated Wilderness.

• Pack out what you pack in.
• Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.
• When filling up a watercraft take every precaution not to spill into the water.
• Be prepared; carry a spill kit, which includes absorbent pads, socks and booms.
• Use a fuel collar or bib when filling up to catch drips and overflow and prevent backsplash.
• Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out.
• Following a trip wash your gear, PWC and support vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.
• Make sure to remove all plant material from your PWC, motor, trailer, and other gear and sipose on dry land in a garbage container.  Also drain livewells, bilge water, and transom wells at the boat launch prior to leaving. 
• Don’t mix PWCs with alcohol or drugs.