Are personal watercraft dangerous? The answer to that question depends on who is driving. Recent figures show that PWCs represent nine percent of all registered vessels in the U.S., but account for 26 percent of reported boating accidents.

However, Boat U.S. looked at its member’s insurance claims files and found that while PWCs represent 4.3 percent of all insured vessels, they account for just 3.8 percent of all reported accident claims.

So what explains the fact PWC insureds have significantly lower accident rates?

“More boating experience and boating safety education is the answer,” said Boat U.S. official Bob Adriance.

Here are some tips that can help PWC operators stay safe:

¢ Know your state’s age and education requirements. PWC manufacturers recommend a minimum operator age of 16 years old.

¢ Even if your state doesn’t require it, PWC operators should take a boating safety course.

¢ Try to gain on-the-water PWC experience in an area away from busy waterways – and other PWCs – where there is plenty of room.

¢ Always wear a personal floatation device, attach the engine shut off cord (lanyard) to your wrist and remove the cord when not riding to avoid unauthorized use.

¢ If possible, gain some experience as a passenger on other PWCs before going out alone.

¢ Always operate defensively. Keep a safe distance from people, objects or other PWCs..

¢ Never carry more than the maximum passenger load, and never place a passenger in front of the driver.