How to Social Distance with Your WaveRunner

By now, you’ve heard about and practiced social distancing in public areas like the grocery store and gas station, as well as at work and elsewhere. While it’s not the way we’d like it to be, you can still find ways to enjoy many of the activities you love doing. This includes jet skiing! It’s an activity that is naturally in line with protocol, as it’s outdoors on the open water. By keeping CDC social distancing guidelines in mind while out on the lake or ocean, you can have a blast just as you normally would on your WaveRunner. This will keep you, your group, and others around you safe. From the dock to the water, here are some useful guidelines to go over with your group before heading out to ride.

Before the Ride Protocol

1. Only ride with those that live in your immediate household.
2. Bring a dry bag with you to pack hand sanitizer or wipes.
3. While on the dock, make it a priority to maintain a minimum of 6 feet between yourself and non-family members.
4. Should you need to enter a store on the dock, practice social distancing and wear personal protective equipment. A cotton mask will do the job.
5. For multi-stall bathrooms, wait outside until there is no line. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Social Distancing on the Water

1. Head out onto the water. If there are others in the vicinity, keep your face mask on until you’ve ridden out.
2. While riding, maintain a distance of 6 feet from other vessels. If this is not possible, wear some form of facial covering. A neck gaiter will be adequate here.
3. Ride in an area that others aren’t. Don’t stray far out into the ocean but try to steer clear of other groups.
4. Don’t beach next to anyone else. Avoiding unnecessary contact is crucial.
5. Need to visit a fuel dock? After gassing up the WaveRunner, sanitize your hands. If you must speak to someone, put on your mask or covering and try to keep distance while talking.

After Your Ride

COVID-19 can be found on many solid surfaces, including your WaveRunner. When the ride is over, it’s a good idea to disinfect your boat with a cleaner that’s safe for the seat and vinyl.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. COVID-19 is not a virus to take a chance on, so obeying CDC guidelines and staying mindful will keep you and your family safe. While it may be a bummer to not ride with your friends, we can only get back to that sense of normalcy by social distancing and protecting ourselves with facial coverings. With responsible riding, you can head out to the water as often as you’d like this summer!