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Caroline Garmon: Zooming along on your personal watercraft has become one of the fastest growing water sports, but an increase in popularity has brought with it an increase in injuries and deaths.
Male Speaker: People who want to own or operate a personal watercraft must realize that they are just like any other recreational boat; they must follow the rules of the road, the equipment requirements set by the Federal government like life jackets, safety equipment onboard those personal watercraft, they are the fastest growing segment of the recreational boating population.
Caroline Garmon: Rider error is blamed for the majority of personal watercraft crashes, collisions are the prime cause of water scooter deaths, and most of those injured are younger than those involved in other boating accidents, dangerous games such as wave jumping, and playing chicken are often the cause, and about half of the injuries are swimmers or water skiers hit by the scooters.
Male Speaker: We recommend that nobody under the age of 16 operate a personal watercraft, not because they may not be good at it, but because they've got the judgment of somebody under the driving age for cars and we think that makes sense.
Caroline Garmon: Coastguard recommend safety tips also include making sure there is at least 100 feet between you and water skiers or swimmers, staying to the right when approaching another boat, and learning who has the right of way. The bottom line for a safe day on the water, no alcohol or drugs, ride responsibly at all times, and use good common sense, Caroline Garmon reporting.
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