Common Jet Ski Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Jet skiing is the perfect mix of speed, water, and pure adrenaline, making it a go-to for anyone craving adventure. But let’s be real—any activity that gives you that much fun comes with a few risks if you’re not careful. Does that mean you should skip the ride? Absolutely not. It just means a little preparation goes a long way in keeping the thrills high and the injuries low.
Whether you’re new to jet skiing or already hooked on it, understanding how to stay safe is key. From avoiding common bumps and bruises to steering clear of rare but serious injuries, knowing what to watch out for can save you a lot of hassle—and maybe a few aches. Think of this as your cheat sheet for riding smart and keeping the fun going.
We’ll break down the most common jet ski injuries, how they happen, and, most importantly, how to avoid them. So, buckle up—or in this case, strap on that life jacket—and get ready to make your time on the water as safe as it is unforgettable.
How Dangerous are Jet Skis Really?
In all honesty, jet skiing is an incredibly safe sport. Even inexpensive jet skis are incredibly well-built because safety is a primary concern for anyone engaging in an extreme sport. They’re incredibly simple to operate, so even a beginner can start riding confidently in no time. It results in far fewer casualties than contact sports such as football, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful.
Like any sport, though, you can get injured in jet skiing. Also like any other sport, learning proper operation and safety procedures will always minimize your chances of hurting yourself.
That said, the safety of jet skiing is directly linked to careful and attentive ridership. For starters, hitting other jet skis can cause injuries, as well as losing control and being thrown off. Even if you’re an experienced rider, you might not yet have mastered how to stabilize the craft after hitting a buoy or another object in the water.
Some people pull on the throttle too hard and strain a muscle, or worse. But what all these unfortunate situations have in common is they can be completely avoided by paying attention to yourself, your riding, and those around you.
If you haven’t jet skied before, it’s best to know what you’re going into. Yes, it will be a thrilling experience that you’ll never forget. Many people even start jet skiing on their own after riding with us.
What Causes Jet Ski Injuries?
At Sea the City, we take out inexperienced jet ski drivers on a regular basis. If you were to go out on your own, you’d be at risk of making a mistake. However, since you’ll be in a group with an experienced guide who will provide basic safety training, you’ll almost certainly be fine.
Here are the top causes of jet ski injuries:
- Reckless driving
- Inadequate safety gear
- Lack of concentration
- Loss of control
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
We ensure that you have the right safety gear, and our guide will tell you to stop immediately if you’re driving in a reckless manner. Using drugs or alcohol are prohibited during our tours. Therefore, as long as you pay attention and don’t accidentally lose control of your jet ski, you shouldn’t spend your time worrying about injuries.
Most Common Jet Ski Injuries
To help you get on the road to your first jet skiing experience, we’ve put together a helpful list of the most common injuries in jet skiing, and how to avoid them. With this guide, you should be able to come for your first lesson with a confident handle on what “safe skiing” truly means. Also, if you’ve ever asked, ‘is jet skiing dangerous?’, we hope your main takeaway is: Only if you don’t follow our safety instructions.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when a sudden movement jerks your body too quickly for your body to react to. People get whiplash from car accidents, horseback riding, and just about anywhere quick movement is a factor.
If you want to avoid whiplash while jet skiing, you need to pay attention to the throttle when you’re about to accelerate. Pulling on the throttle too quickly will jet your body forward and potentially causing a neck injury.
You can also avoid whiplash by not turning too quickly. Always take slower, wider turns, especially when you’re just starting out.
Bruises
Bruises happen when your body is impacted by another object. While jet skiing, there are a couple different ways you can get bruised, and some are not as obvious as you might think.
Perhaps easier to understand is if you hit another jet ski or object in the water. If your body makes an impact with that object, you might get a bruise.
Not so obvious is when you’re going too fast and bobbing out of the water. Similar to when a car goes over a pothole, you will feel the jet ski repeatedly hitting your bottom end pretty hard. The best way to avoid this injury is by controlling your speed and being aware of your surroundings.
Sprains
A sprain happens when the tendons between your bones are overstretched or damaged. Baseball pitchers experience many sprains because they are constantly extending their throwing arm with a lot of force and at high speed. If you’re riding too fast on a jet ski, you might also get a sprain.
When some people accelerate too quickly, they could sprain their shoulder or their arm. Keeping your hands firmly grasped around the handles will keep you from falling off the jet ski, but it could potentially overextend your arm.
To avoid getting sprains, keep your speed in check – accelerating too fast is one of the leading causes of sprains in jet skiing.
Fractured and Broken Bones
A fractured bone is one which has partially cracked due to impact or bending. They’re not as bad as a full break but are still extremely painful and take time to heal.
Crashing into another jet ski can cause fractured or broken bones. So, make sure you’re always keeping an eye out for riders and other objects in the water.
Loss of Breath
You’ll definitely lose your breath while jet skiing because of the excitement. Yes, we’re kidding here, but we feel it’s important to remember that there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to jet skiing. It’s still an incredible experience that anyone can enjoy, as long as they do it safely.
Burns
Friction burns can happen to riders who fail to wear gloves. Fortunately, these burns are not typically serious and can be easily treated with a basic first-aid kit. As long as you tell your guide right away, there won’t be anything to worry about.
It’s also possible—though not common—for you to sustain a friction burn on your legs. This is entirely avoidable, however. By wearing a lightweight pair of waterproof pants, you’ll have enough padding between your skin and the source of a friction burn to avoid getting injured.
Rare Jet Ski Injuries
Now we’re going to take a look at a couple of less common but serious jet ski injuries. The odds of suffering from one of these isn’t high, so you shouldn’t really worry about them as long as you follow your tour guide’s safety rules. Nevertheless, we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring up the slight possibility that one of these injuries could happen.
Concussion
Although rare, it’s possible to sustain a concussion while you’re on a jet ski. However, it’s important to note that the vast majority of concussions are directly related to a rider not following their guide’s instructions. For example, let’s say you’re fooling around on a jet ski and don’t adhere to your guide’s safety rules. One of the potential side effects of this is falling off your jet ski at full speed. Unfortunately, this type of sudden and fast flop into the water might cause you to become concussed due to the speed at which your head enters the water.
To avoid this particular issue, be sure to listen to your tour guide and slow down in certain areas of the water. Remember: Your tour guide is out there to keep you safe, so please listen whenever they tell you to slow down.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious and can even result in paralysis. Fortunately, they happen most often when a jet ski rider ignores adverse weather conditions, which Sea the City doesn’t let happen.
When water becomes especially choppy due to the weather, you run a greater risk of falling off your jet ski. Suddenly hitting choppy water is very jarring, and your spinal cord might be hit just right—or should we say just wrong—and result in an injury.
Avoiding an injury to your spinal column requires you to pay attention to your guide and avoid going on the water during bad weather. If you take these two precautions, your chances of suffering a spinal cord injury are practically nil.
Does Falling Off a Jet Ski Hurt?
Yes, it can. Especially when it comes to falling off a jet ski at full speed. These vessels are super fast, with max speeds ranging between 40 mph and 70 mph—depending on the craft’s model and design. Sea the City’s current fleet of jet skis reach speeds of 50 mph.
As noted previously, injuries range from minor bruises and strains to more severe injuries like concussions and spinal cord injuries. Imagine for a moment that you’re going 40 mph and fall off your jet ski. you’re going to absorb the impact as you hit the water.
As you can probably tell, getting injured like that is going to really smart! That’s why we’ve put safety rules in place and always send a guide out when you rent a jet ski.
What About Jet Ski Vibration When Accelerating?
If your jet ski makes an odd vibration sound when you accelerate, you should flag down your tour guide immediately. This means that something is wrong with your jet ski, so you don’t want to merely shrug it off. Most of the time, this vibration is caused by something getting lodged in the impeller or pump. It’s also possible that your jet ski needs a new cylinder, spark plug, or rod.
Letting your guide know so that they can either quickly fix the issue or get you a different jet ski is the best way to ensure you have a smooth, injury-free ride.
Back Pain After Jet Skiing: What to Expect
It is possible to feel sore after you’ve been out on a jet ski, which can include having some mild back pain. It’s necessary to maintain your balance as you ride, and this makes you rely on muscles you might not ordinarily use. Think of it like going to the gym for the first time in years. Any pain you experience is temporary, and you won’t experience it anymore if you go out for regular rides.
Essential Safety Tips and Preparations for Jet Skiing
Before you hit the water, taking the time to prepare can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Jet skiing, like any activity, requires not just enthusiasm but also a focus on safety and readiness. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, adhering to these tips will ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.
1. Wear Proper Safety Gear
The right equipment can make all the difference. Always wear a life jacket that fits snugly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Also, proper apparel is important. Reviewing what to wear on a jet ski can help you prepare for a safe and fun ride.
Consider wearing gloves to prevent friction burns and sturdy water shoes for better grip on the jet ski. Additionally, eye protection, such as goggles or sunglasses with a strap, can shield your eyes from splashes and glare.
2. Understand Weather Conditions
Weather plays a crucial role in safe jet skiing. Check the forecast before you go out and avoid the water if storms, high winds, or choppy waves are expected. Even experienced riders are at risk during adverse weather. Calm waters provide the best conditions, especially for beginners.
3. Learn the Basics First
Taking a quick safety course or receiving instructions from a certified guide can help you grasp the fundamentals of jet ski operation. Knowing how to start, stop, and steer the vehicle properly is essential for avoiding accidents. Familiarize yourself with the controls and practice in a designated area with little traffic.
4. Stay Alert to Surroundings
Collisions often occur when riders fail to watch for other jet skis, boats, or swimmers. Maintain a safe distance from others and avoid busy areas whenever possible. Use peripheral vision to keep track of nearby activity and look ahead to spot potential obstacles like buoys or floating debris.
5. Follow Local Rules and Guidelines
Every location has specific regulations for jet skiing. These may include speed limits, restricted areas, and rules about operating near docks or swim zones. Ignoring these rules not only puts you at risk but may also result in fines or penalties.
6. Avoid Fatigue and Overexertion
Jet skiing can be physically demanding, especially for new riders. Keep sessions short at first and take breaks to rest. Hydrate before and after your ride to prevent fatigue from setting in. Staying well-rested helps you maintain focus and control on the water.
7. Ride with a Partner
Whenever possible, ride with a buddy or in a group. In the unlikely event of an accident or breakdown, having someone nearby can make all the difference. Guides and tours are ideal for beginners because they offer the added security of professional oversight.
If you want to check out more jet ski safety tips and information about personal watercraft safety certification, Check out our blog here: Sea the City Blog.
As long as you control your speed, stay aware of your surroundings, and make sure not to accelerate or turn too quickly, you’ll all but neutralize the probability of getting an injury while jet skiing. And at Sea the City, our expert tour guides and instructors have successfully gotten first timers to have safe and thrilling experiences on jet skis.
If you’re ready to experience New York City like you never have before, contact us today!
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FAQs
What is the most common jet ski injury?
The most common jet ski injuries are minor bruises and sprains. These often occur from sudden impacts, such as hitting an object in the water or bouncing too hard on choppy waves. While these injuries are usually mild, they can be avoided by controlling your speed, staying aware of your surroundings, and using proper safety gear.
What is the leading cause of jet ski accidents?
The leading cause of jet ski accidents is reckless driving. This includes speeding, failing to pay attention to other riders, and attempting risky maneuvers without proper experience. Alcohol or drug use is another major factor. Staying focused, adhering to safety guidelines, and avoiding substance use while riding are the best ways to prevent accidents.
Is it common to fall off a jet ski?
Falling off a jet ski happens, especially for beginners, but it’s not something to worry about if you’re prepared. Most jet skis are designed to make reboarding easy, and wearing a life jacket ensures you stay safe in the water. Keeping a steady grip and controlling your speed reduces the chances of taking an unexpected dip.
Do jet skis flip easily?
Jet skis are designed for stability, so they don’t flip easily under normal conditions. That said, sharp turns, high speeds, or rough waters can increase the likelihood of flipping. Avoid these scenarios, especially if you’re new to jet skiing, to keep your ride smooth and upright.
How hard is it to fall off a jet ski?
It’s not particularly hard to fall off a jet ski, especially if you’re going too fast, making sudden turns, or encountering rough water. However, most falls are preventable with proper balance and by avoiding reckless movements.
One key safety feature to keep in mind is the safety lanyard, also known as the kill switch. This device is attached to your wrist or life jacket and automatically shuts off the engine if you fall. Using the safety lanyard ensures the jet ski won’t continue moving without you, making it easier and safer to get back on and continue your ride.
Is jet skiing safe for non-swimmers?
Yes, jet skiing can be safe for non-swimmers as long as you wear a well-fitted life jacket and follow safety instructions. Guided tours are ideal for non-swimmers since they provide professional oversight and ensure you stay in safe zones. Let your guide know about your swimming ability for added precautions.
Is it safe to jump waves on a jet ski?
Jumping waves can be fun, but it carries risks if not done carefully. Hitting waves at high speeds or without proper technique can lead to losing control or injuring yourself. Stick to small waves, approach them head-on at moderate speeds, and ensure you have enough experience before attempting any jumps.