Sea-doo 210 Challenger, Operator'S Manual

Page: 28 / 168

SAFE BOATING PRACTICES
– Do not overload the boat or take on
more passengers than designated
for the particular boat. Overloading
can affect maneuverability, stability
and performance.
– Avoid adding on accessories or
equipment which may alter your
control of the boat.
– Riding with a passenger(s) or pulling
a tube, skier or wakeboarder makes
the boat handle differently and re-
quires greater skill.
– Always respect the safety and com-
fort of your passenger(s) and person
being towed on skis, wakeboard or
other towables.
– Always carry an observer when
pulling a tube, skier or wakeboarder,
proceed with only as much speed as
required and follow the observer's
instructions. Unless absolutely nec-
essary, do not make tight, sharp
turns. Keep a safe distance from
the docks, other swimmers, craft or
objects.
– Use a tow rope of sufficient length
and size and make sure it is ade-
quately secured to your boat. Some
boats are equipped or can be fitted
with a specially designed towing
mechanism. It can become a haz-
ard should someone fall on it.
Passenger Safety
Before getting underway, show all
passengers where emergency and
safety equipment is stowed, and ex-
plain how to use it. Everyone aboard
should wear rubber-soled shoes which
resist slipping on wet surfaces. While
underway, passengers should remain
seated inside the deck rails. Don't al-
low passengers to drag their feet or
hands in the water. Always use hand-
holds and other safety hardware to
prevent falls. All non-swimmers, poor
swimmers, and children should wear
a PFD at all times. Federal regulations
require that children under 13 years of
age wear a PFD when the boat is un-
derway unless they are in an enclosed
cabin or below deck.
– Do not start or operate the boat if
anyone is seated on the sun deck or
swim platform, or is nearby in the
water. Water and/or debris exiting
jet thrust nozzle can cause severe
injury.
– The operator and passenger(s)
should be properly seated before
starting or moving the boat. All pas-
senger(s) should be instructed to
use the handholds or seat straps
provided.
– When accelerating a boat with a
passenger(s), whether from a com-
plete stop or while underway, al-
ways do so progressively. Fast ac-
celeration may cause your passen-
ger(s) to loose their balance or grip
and strike something in the boat or
fall out of the boat. Make sure that
your passenger(s) know of, or antic-
ipate, any rapid acceleration.
First Aid
As a boat operator, you should be fa-
miliar with basic first aid procedures
that may be needed while you are
far from help. Fish hook accidents or
minor cuts and abrasions may be the
most serious mishaps on board a boat,
but you should also learn the proper
procedures and be ready to deal with
the truly serious problems like exces-
sive bleeding, hypothermia, and burns.
First aid literature and courses are avail-
able through most Red Cross chapters.
Operation by Minors
Minors should always be supervised
by an adult whenever operating a boat.
Many countries have laws regarding
the minimum age and licensing re-
quirements of minors. Be sure to con-
tact the state boating authorities for
information. BRP recommends a min-
imum operator age of 16 years old.
26
_______
SAFETY INFORMATION
________