Although jet skiing is fun, it is still an extreme sport that can result in accidents. Jet ski accidents can result in catastrophic internal damage, permanent disability, or death.
A jet ski can sink, but thankfully this is very rare. If your jet ski sinks, you should avoid panicking and signal for help. To prevent a jet ski from sinking, you can take precautions such as wearing a wetsuit, removing spark plugs, and learning the basics of how to drive a jet ski safely.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about what to do if your jet ski sinks, how to prevent a jet ski from sinking, and other essential information.
A Jet Ski Can Sink
Jet Skis are fun water sport vehicles that you play at the beach until they unexpectedly sink. Although such occurrences are rare, that does not mean you should take jet ski safety lightly! Now, why does a jet sink in the first place?
A jet ski can sink when it’s missing its drain plug. Without a drain plug, the jet ski cannot drain the water from the bilge. Water from the jet ski is drained when the jet ski is no longer in the water. If the water does not get removed from the jet ski, water enters the hull once the vehicle gets back to the water.
To ensure your jet ski doesn’t sink, you must replace the drain plug.
What Injuries Can Arise When A Jet Ski Sinks?
Damaged eardrums, broken bones, and severe neck and back injuries are some common injuries that can arise from a sinking jet ski. Fortunately, serious injuries from a sinking jet ski are quite rare — and it is even rarer for the injury to result in death.
The following are some other common injuries that arise from jet ski accidents:
- Ankle fractures
- Dislocated orbital sockets
- Burns
- Wrist fracture
- Injuries to the brain
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Drawing
You Can Save Someone’s Life With CPR
CPR is an acronym for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It combines chest compressions and rescue breathing to increase a person’s chances of survival after a cardiac arrest.
Here’s how to do CPR:
- Place the heel of your palm on the breastbone in the center of the person’s chest to do chest compression.
- Interlock your fingers with your second hand on top of your first.
- Make sure your shoulders are higher than your hands.
- Press straight down on their chest for 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 inches) using your full weight (not just your arms).
- Release the compression and let the chest return to its original position while keeping your hands on the chest.
- Rep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions each minute until an ambulance arrives or you’re fatigued.
Wear a Wetsuit To Prevent Serious Injury
Jet skiers, divers, or anybody who participates in water-related extreme sports wears a wetsuit. The wetsuit isn’t just a fashion statement — it helps prevent serious injury by stopping water from entering body cavities in the event of a jet ski sinking.
Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Jet Ski
Because jet skis are such a large investment for a seasonal piece of sporting equipment, it’s critical to treat them with care every time you use them. Maintenance should be done regularly throughout the season, not just at the beginning and conclusion.
Here are a few pointers to help you get the most out of your jet ski and safety gear this season:
- Check your fluids. Like a car, you want to ensure your coolant is topped up to the recommended level. It would help if you didn’t open the coolant lid, let alone top it up with cold coolant, once the engine is warm or hot. Doing this could cause internal damage to the ski, which could cost you a lot of money!
- Learn to be safe. Taking the time to learn how to ride a Jetski safely and what to do in any dangerous situation goes a long way in keeping you safe and your jet ski in good condition.
How To Prevent a Jet Ski From Sinking
- Check if the battery is connected in the wrong way. A heavy battery wire should run from the negative post indicated with a – sign to the engine’s metal.
- Pump out any water inside the engine. Normally, all spark plugs are removed, the throttle is held wide open, and the engine is cranked. The spark plug holes will erupt with water.
- Allow a minute of cooling after cranking for around 30 seconds. Then, turn it up once more. You need to maintain the battery’s charge. The most important thing is to get the water out before starting the engine. Internally, the airflow and running heat help dry out the engine.
- Take a ride. The engine dries up faster at high speeds.
- Spray fogging oil into the carburetor air intake once the motor has been turned off.
What To Do When a Jet Ski Sinks
Jet skis can sink, although they rarely do so completely, and the main cause of a jet ski sinking is something that the owner can control. As discussed earlier, a jet ski can fill up with water and sink. This happens due to poor maintenance or carelessness.
Personal watercraft can take on water if parts are damaged or missing, particularly seals and plugs. That’s why it’s critical to double-check your PWC before boarding and departing from the shore.
If your Jet Ski starts sinking, you should do the following:
- Remain calm.
- Put your life vest on if you haven’t already.
- Start the bilge pump.
- Avoid restarting the engine.
- Signal for help by sending up a flare.
- Swim back to shore if you aren’t that far out.
Summary
Jet skiing is a fun sport, but there’s the risk of it sinking, and thus, injuring you. You must know what to do if your jet ski sinks and how to prevent it from sinking for your own good.
If your jet ski sinks, stay calm and signal for help. Remember, jet ski accidents are rare — even for beginners, so don’t let fear deter you from having fun jet skiing.