Well, it’s happened. You have flipped your ski and you and/or your passengers are in the water. While capsizing a jet ski doesn’t happen often, when it does, what you do and how you do it matters.
Jet skis are designed to float, even upside down. But that doesn’t mean they dont get water in them. Or that they will float upside down forever. Or that the ski will start when righted. Not following the proper procedure for righting your ski can result in pulling water into the crank case of your ski. This is not a place water was meant to be and your ski will not start. It also can and will damage your engine.
First and foremost do the right things before capsizing your ski.
- Know the procedure for righting your ski
- Make sure passengers know what to do. How to board, what to hold on to, what to do when turning.
- Check your drain plug!
- Make sure you have all your safety gear and that everyone is wearing their life vest. Attach your safety lanyard to your vest or wrist.
The Ski Is Starting To Flip. What To Do?
The most important thing to remember if you feel yourself falling or the ski flipping is to get away from the ski as quickly as possible. If the ski is unstable and going over, your weight will add to the momentum. It is possible for you to jump from the ski and the ski to not completely flip over, saving you from having to right it.
If the lanyard is properly attached to you, the ski will stop when the key pulls out as you fall. No running motor, no propulsion, no go. If not, the ski can now barrel towards other watercraft, riders and docks.
We Are All Wet!
Stay calm! You are wearing your life vest and floating.
- Locate your passengers and ensure they arent hurt.
- Locate your ski and you and your passengers swim to it. You can take a minute to catch your breath while holding to the side of the ski.
- If the ski is running, (the key did not come off the post) turn it off.
- Everyone to the back of the ski, passengers at least 6 feet back when you roll the ski.
- Look for the label on the back of your ski telling you which direction to flip the ski in.
Now What?
Read the directions for righting the ski. Most skis will flip clock-wise. Read the directions….and follow them! Or you may suck water into your engine and the ski will not start.
While looking from the back of the ski, if the ski is to be flipped clock-wise, go to the right side of the ski. (This would be portside of the ski when it is upright in the water)
Reach up on the hull and grab the ride plate or intake grate and push down on the rub rail with your feet. Remember, the ski is flipping towards you so be careful.
Once the ski is righted, the driver boards first. Jet skis are self-bailing and once you are running will bail any water from the hull. If the ski has taken on too much water you will be sitting low in the water and may have to run a quick circle to bail the water before loading your passengers.
