‘’Jet Ski’’

History "Jet Ski" became foremost the colloquial term for stand-up personal

watercraft, because in 1973 Kawasaki was responsible for a limited production of stand-up models as designed by the recognized inventor of Jet Skis, Clayton Jacobson II.[2] In 1976, Kawasaki began mass production of the JS400-A. JS400s came with 400 cc two-stroke engines and hulls based upon the previous limited release models. It became the harbinger of the success Jet Skis would see in the Jetters market up through the 1990s. In 1986 Kawasaki broadened the world of Jet Skis by introducing a two person model with lean-in "sport" style handling and a 650 cc engine, dubbed the X-2. Then in 1989, they introduced their first two passenger "sit-down" model, the Tandem Sport/Dual-Jetters (TS/DJ) with a step-through seating area.

For 1992 Kawasaki updated their stand-up line with the JS750 featuring a more stable hull and more power. In 2003, Kawasaki celebrated the Jet Ski brand by releasing a special 30th anniversary edition of its current stand-up model, the SX-R, which has seen a revival of interest in stand-up jetskiing. The X-2 has also been updated, based on the SX-R platform and re-released in Japan. Kawasaki continues to produce three models of sit-downs, including many four-stroke models.

 Know The Rules.Personal watercraft (PWCs) are targets for new laws

and restrictions. The best way to change the PWC “bad-boy” image is to respect other boaters around you by following the laws. Start by knowing the “Rules of the Road,” a code that every boater is legally required to follow. Not only are there safety requirements, but the rules also extend into the realm of boating etiquette. They tell you how to signal and pass other vessels, which boat has the right of way, and how to read aids to navigation. Chances are your state has its own set of PWC rules. For instance, Rhode Island requires state residents to have a PWC license in order to promote safe, courteous riding. There are also local rules concerning PWC operation.

Know Your Machine.Depending on how much noise and smoke they

emit, some watercraft are considered “ruder” than others — old carbureted 2-strokes are considered the height of rudeness. If you’re one of the majority of riders using a carbureted 2-stroke PWC, the key is to keep your watercraft well-maintained for minimal smoke emission (there’s probably not much you can do about noise). Manufacturers have been addressing both smoke and noise pollution with a new breed of low-decibel 4-strokes. The good news is that within a few years, carbureted technology will be a thing of the past, so many of the big complaints against PWCs will go up in smoke.

Recreational usesMany U.S. states require safety training for

personal watercraft operators. Modern PWCs include a lanyard attached to a dead man's switch, to turn off the vessel if the operator falls off, provided the lanyard is attached to the operator.

HazardsApart from the obvious hazards of collisions and

mechanical breakdowns common to all vehicles, PWCs feature the unique hazard of orifice injuries.[2][3] Such injuries are the logical result of the unusually close proximity of PWC riders to the output end of the pump jet, as well as the fact that personal watercraft are usually not enclosed. A rider who falls (or is ejected) off the back can land directly in the path of the PWC's high-pressure jet of water. Unless a rider is appropriately dressed in garments made out of a strong, thick substance like neoprene (as is commonly found in wetsuits), the jet will easily penetrate any orifice it reaches. The consequences include permanent disability or death.[4][5] For example, in 2006, the California Court of Appeal (First District) upheld a $3.7 million Napa County jury verdict against Polaris Industries arising out of one such incident (which had devastating effects on the victim's lower abdomen).[6]

Know The Area.Besides being polite to other boaters, there are real

and perceived problems associated with PWC and habitat destruction. In fact, that was one of the main arguments for PWC bans in national parks last summer. A little awareness for environmental concerns can go a long way. So, stay clear of nesting grounds and fragile ecosystems. Also, keep your eyes posted for swimmers. Areas around coves and docks can fill up quickly with people who might want to take a dip, so before you decide to gun it, scan the area for potential problems. As far as the wakes go, just apply the golden rule of PWCs — splash unto others as you would like them to splash unto you.

Know Yourself.You also need to develop your own riding skills to

promote safety and courtesy. They include learning to use the throttle and steering properly (many beginners let go of the throttle when they’re heading at another boat or obstacle, thus losing steerage), practicing high-speed stopping and steering maneuvers, and scanning the horizon constantly for other boats. This includes common-sense maneuvers like slowing down or avoiding anchored boats, not waking or splashing other boaters, and not doing hour-long doughnuts in front of other boats or waterfront homes. The key is to be aware of others while on the water. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

Linkshttp://www.jetski.com/article.cfm?id=458