Sea-doo 2014 Spark Series, Operator'S Manual

Page: 22 / 148

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
F00A2 G Y
TYPE V — WEARABLE
Helmets
Some Important Considerations
Helmets are designed to offer some
degree of protection in case of im-
pacts to the head. In most motorized
sports, the benefits of wearing a hel-
met clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
However, in the case of motorized wa-
tersports such as riding personal wa-
tercraft, this is not necessarily true as
there are some particular risks associ-
ated with the water.
Benefits
A helmet helps to reduce the risk of
injury in case of a head impact against
a hard surface such as another craft in
the case of a collision. Similarly, a hel-
met with a chin guard might help pre-
vent injuries to the face, jaw or teeth.
Risks
On the other hand, in some situations
when falling off the watercraft, hel-
mets have a tendency to catch the
water, like a “bucket”, and put severe
stresses on the neck or spine. This
could result in choking, severe or per-
manent neck or spine injury or death.
Helmets may also interfere with pe-
ripheral vision and hearing, or increase
fatigue which, could contribute to in-
crease the risk of a collision.
Weighing the Risks vs Benefits
In order to decide whether or not you
should wear a helmet, it is best to con-
sider the particular environment you
will be riding in, as well as other fac-
tors such as personal experience. Will
there be a lot of traffic on the water?
What is your riding style?
The Bottom Line
Since each option minimizes some
risks, but increases others, before
each ride you must decide whether
to wear or not wear a helmet based on
your particular situation.
If you decide to wear a helmet, you
must then decide what type is the
most appropriate for the circum-
stances. Look for helmets that meet
DOT or Snell standards, and if possi-
ble, choose one designed for motor-
ized watersports.
Additional Recommended
Equipment
It is recommended that you acquire
additional equipment for safe, enjoy-
able cruising. This list, which is not all
inclusive, includes items you should
consider acquiring.
– Local map
– First aid kit
– Tow rope
– Flares
– Mooring cords.
A cellular telephone in a waterproof
bag or container has also been found
to be beneficial to boaters when in dis-
tress or just for contacting someone
on shore.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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