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Can You Drive A Jet Ski At Night?

Jet skis, despite sometimes being referred to as small boats and even featuring headlights in models from manufacturers like Kawasaki, cannot be operated at night. This is a firm rule across most states and countries, regardless of whether navigational lights are installed or all recommended safety measures are taken.

It might seem surprising at first, but there are solid reasons for this restriction. Below, I will detail why night-time operation of jet skis is prohibited, along with examples illustrating the potential risks.

Why Is It Not Okay to Operate a Jet Ski at Night?

1. Too Small

Jet skis are notably more challenging to spot in the dark due to their compact size. Even with navigation lights, they tend to cause more confusion for other vessels, particularly when viewed from afar.

It’s not merely about their length; their width is also significantly narrower compared to other boats of similar size, adding to the visibility issue.

2. Quick Movements

Jet skis are capable of moving at high speeds and can change directions abruptly, which often leads to confusion among other boaters.

Their compact dimensions, combined with these swift movements, only amplify the potential for misunderstandings on the water.

3. They Go Too Fast

At night, the rule of thumb is to proceed with caution and slow down! However, a notable issue is that many jet ski enthusiasts don’t reduce their speed, even under the cloak of darkness.

Slowing down is crucial because obstacles like floating logs, rocks, shallow waters, and other hazards become significantly harder to detect. What’s already a challenge in daylight turns into a near impossibility after the sun goes down, making a cautious pace essential for safety.

Which leads us to the next point…

4. Jet-Skiers Are More Reckless

Considering that even in broad daylight, some individuals engage in reckless behaviors they absolutely shouldn’t, it’s a safe bet that such antics don’t stop when night falls.

Under the cover of darkness, these reckless actions not only become more dangerous but also significantly complicate rescue and assistance efforts.

Witnessing the consequences of crashes, particularly from dangerous games like playing chicken, leaves no doubt about the severity of such recklessness. If such foolish behavior occurs in daylight, there’s every reason to believe it would continue, if not worsen, after dark.

5. No Reflectors?

There are no reflectors on anything, even life jackets, so when falling off, no one sees anyone in the water!

Falling off the craft happens often, which is another reason to avoid riding after sunset!

6. No visual Cues

Numerous models are equipped with visual features specifically designed to enhance their visibility to other boaters in daylight.

For instance, the distinctive spray of water known as the rooster tail, along with the use of vibrant colors on life jackets, are strategic choices within the industry aimed at increasing visibility.

However, the challenge arises at night when these visual cues lose their effectiveness, rendering them invisible in the darkness.

What If You’re Trapped after Sunset?

If caught out on the water after dark, the smartest move is to head straight for the nearest boat launch or shore.

Since personal watercraft typically lack lighting, you become virtually invisible at night, making it crucial to get to land where you’re more likely to be seen and safer.

Get Your Jet Ski Towed Back In

Use your boat towing membership, I suggest giving them a call and let them tow the machine back.

Reach out to a friend or family member with a boat to help tow your craft back home. However, be aware that many people are not keen on navigating a boat after dark either, as it’s generally agreed to be an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.

Use Your Phone To Call For Help

The silver lining is that most people now carry smartphones.

With your smartphone in hand, you can easily call for assistance, utilize GPS for navigation, or signal for help, offering a beacon of safety in challenging situations.

DJ Khaled got stuck after dark, and it’s easy to see how confusing it is. I know it’s funny now, but it’s a legit problem for him.

The Special Watercraft

There do exist a few jet skis that operate in the dark, but the average customer can’t buy them.

Why can’t regular people buy them? It’s because they’re used by “search and rescue teams”.

Sea-Doo has the SAR, and it has navigation lights for running any time. This craft is also much larger, slower, and sturdier than your normal. It’s almost twice the cost, too!

Sometimes a PWC is needed in rescue missions, and sometimes these missions happen during the night.

Author

Steven

I started working at a power sports dealership in 2007, I worked in parts, service counter, and as a technician before moving to sales in 2013. I created StevenInSales.com in 2014 to answer common watercraft questions I would get from people. Now managing the site full-time, I continue to provide advice and web tools for my readers about watercraft. I've owned several watercraft, with a Sea-Doo Spark as my current main PWC.

Comments

  1. Last month we got to the boat ramp about 30 minutes before dark with a few boats ahead of us in line, no big deal we thought. Figured we would wait 10 minutes or so for our turn, nothing unusual and everyone was happily loading up their boats after a day out on the water. All of the sudden, 12 jet skis (must have been some sort of club) come flying through the no wake zone at 20 knots and cut off everyone at the boat ramp. Literally zipped up right in front of boats approaching the ramp and cut everyone off like it was their private boat ramp and they were entitled to special privileges (and not to mention the near collisions they almost caused by cutting off moving boats who had to abruptly cut throttle and the slam into reverse). They then proceeded to tie up both lanes of the boat ramp up for almost an hour while taking their time getting their trailers backed in and skis loaded up.

    This of course after seeing them earlier in the day running wide open inside a 6 knot zone in a swimming area where people were swimming.

    For those of you who like to push the time limits and head back just before dark, remember that you getting back before dark doesn’t give you special rights on the water – maritime navigational rules, rights of way, and speed limits still apply. You’re not entitled to special treatment because you’re on a jet ski and out of time due to poor planning. Also, had they been present, I don’t think DNR would have minded at all if there were jet skis patiently waiting on the water at the ramp after dark but they definitely would have issued fines (if not made arrests) for the dangerous and ignorant behavior of these jet skiers.

    80% of PWC operators are consummate professionals on the water but the other 20% are absolute degenerates who are so dangerous on the water that almost every state has had to impose restrictions on PWC usage. When you wonder why there are draconian laws applied to you operating your PWC, just take a look around next time you’re out and when you see one or two PWC operators doing something so completely asinine that you know the state is going to have to pass a law about it, that’s why.

    Reply
    • What state? I’d be surprised they’d pull that in South Carolina. Some of these good ole boys with boats would have knocked a few PWC guys out cold if they pulled that stunt here.

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    • The last time I checked the Sealver didn’t have nav lights. But even then I would side on no because it would ultimately be up to water patrol and I have a good feeling they would not allow it.

      Reply
  2. Good information.

    Sadly, I see a lot of PWC operators break laws designed to make PWC ownership a safe, fun activity. Driving at night is one of them.

    My biggest pet peeve is adults letting their children drive a PWC alone. For some reason, some adults think their child is immune to the laws of physics. They aren’t.

    There is a reason there are rules about operating watercraft. Just like with ATVs, it’s sad some children have to pay the price for an adult’s bad, irresponsible decision.

    Reply

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