Personal watercraft are a great deal of fun because of their maneuverability and power. Riding them can provide a watersport high for even the most experienced person.

A personal water craft, sometimes called a jet ski or wave runner is a recreational watercraft that the rider sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a boat. If you don't know already you should learn to swim as you will definitely be getting wet while riding one of these.

A relatively recent but immensely popular addition to summertime leisure activities, people from all walks of life enjoy the fast-paced recreation on the open water without the encumbrance or expense of a full-sized boat. Personal watercraft are under 13 feet in length, and have an inboard engine driving a pump jet impeller that draws the water from under the boat sending a jet of water from the back of the craft to create thrust for propulsion and steering.

The U. S. Coast Guard classifies personal watercraft, PWC, as inboard boats. That means personal watercraft are subject to the same rules and requirements as any other powerboat plus additional requirements specific to PWC. If you operate one, you have the responsibility of knowing and obeying boating regulations and practicing boating safety.

Every operator should have both the physical capability and the mature judgment needed to operate the watercraft safely. Mature judgment comes with experience and age. For some operators, the temptation to sneak between boats is difficult to resist. Always keep a proper lookout as to what is going on around you.