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EJU00618a
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
EJX16010
8
Operating your water vehicle requires
skills acquired only through practice
over a period of time. Take the time to
learn the basic operating techniques
well, before attempting more difficult
maneuvers.
8
Both operator and passengers must
always wear a U.S. Coast Guard
approved personal flotation device
(vest-type) because of the drowning
hazards associated with water sports.
1
U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flota-
tion device
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Wetsuit
3
Water shoes
4
Gloves
5
Eye protection
8
Strong streams of water from the jet
nozzle, or impact with the water surface
can be dangerous. Both operator and
passengers must wear wetsuits. Nor-
mal swimming attire may not adequate-
ly protect you. A wetsuit will help pro-
tect against internal injuries to orifices
(rectum and vagina) from strong jet
streams, and from impact with the
water surface. Wetsuits also help pro-
tect against hypothermia (low body
temperature) and abrasions.
EJX11810
8
Both operator and passengers should
wear water shoes to help protect feet
from objects hidden under water. Wear-
ing gloves can also help protect hands
from abrasions.
EJX11911
8
Wind, water, and glare from the sun
may get in your eyes while you operate
your water vehicle, reducing your abili-
ty to see. You may want to consider
wearing eye protection such as sun-
glasses or goggles while riding. Some
may find, however, that eye protection
obstructs or distorts their vision, and
distracts from operation. Only you
know the circumstances in which you
operate your water vehicle, so only you
can decide if the benefits of eye protec-
tion outweigh the potential hazards.
EJX11920
8
If you wear prescription lenses, consid-
er measures to secure them against
loss while riding. For example, some
goggles are designed to be worn over
glasses or contact lenses. Restraining
straps for glasses are also made which
are designed to float if your glasses
should fall in the water.
EJX12110
8
Helmets meeting Snell or DOT stan-
dards are required for IJSBA-sanctioned
races. You must decide whether to
wear a helmet while you ride recre-
ationally. A helmet could help protect
you in certain kinds of accidents. You
should also know that a helmet could
injure you in some other riding condi-
tions.
A helmet is designed to provide some
head protection. Although helmets can-
not protect against all foreseeable
impacts, a helmet might reduce your
injuries in a collision with a boat or
other obstacles.
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