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Lake Day Preparation Guide
 

Sea Doo GTI 130 SE  Safety Guide

General Lake Safety Guide

Click above to learn about everything you should bring to the lake to enjoy your Jet Ski Booking to the fullest.

Click above to learn more about safe operation of our rental equipment and what to do incase of capsizing, equipment failure, or anything else that might happen out on the water.

Lake Safety Officer Boone has several tips to make sure your lake day with Lake Mead Jet Ski Rentals goes smoothly. Click above to learn more.

General Lake Safety Guide

Stay Safe on the Water

Whether you’re operating a boat or a personal watercraft (PWC), commonly known as a Jet Ski, safety should always be your top priority. Lake conditions can change rapidly, and responsible operation helps protect you, your passengers, and everyone sharing the water.

​

The Four Most Important Safety Rules

  1. Always wear a life jacket.

  2. Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  3. Attach and use the engine safety lanyard on all Jet Ski rides.

  4. Maintain a safe speed and keep a constant lookout for hazards.

 

Before You Launch

1. Wear a Life Jacket

  • Every operator and passenger should wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

  • Life jackets save lives and are especially important when operating a PWC.

2. Check Weather Conditions

  • Review the forecast before heading out.

  • Avoid launching if thunderstorms, high winds, or severe weather are expected.

  • If storms develop, return to shore immediately.

3. Inspect Your Equipment

  • Verify fuel levels are adequate.

  • Check steering and throttle operation.

  • Ensure navigation lights work if operating near sunrise, sunset, or after dark.

  • Confirm safety lanyards, fire extinguishers, and emergency equipment are onboard and accessible.

4. Tell Someone Your Plans

  • Let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to return.

 

General Lake Safety Rules

1. Maintain a Safe Speed

  • Operate at a speed appropriate for conditions.

  • Slow down in congested areas, marinas, launch ramps, and no-wake zones.

2. Keep a Proper Lookout

  • Continuously scan for:

    • Swimmers

    • Paddlecraft

    • Other vessels

    • Floating debris

    • Shallow water hazards

3. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

  • Never operate while distracted by phones or other devices.

  • Designate a passenger as a spotter when appropriate.

4. Never Operate Under the Influence

  • Alcohol and drugs significantly impair judgment and reaction time.

  • Boating under the influence is illegal and dangerous.

5. Respect No-Wake Zones

  • Slow to idle speed when entering designated no-wake areas.

  • Excessive wake can damage property and endanger others.

 

Jet Ski (PWC) Specific Safety

1. Attach the Engine Safety Lanyard

  • Always attach the safety lanyard (kill switch) to your wrist or life jacket.

  • If you fall off, the engine will shut down automatically.

2. Understand That PWCs Need Throttle to Steer

  • Unlike many boats, Jet Skis steer using water thrust.

  • Releasing the throttle completely may reduce steering effectiveness.

  • Practice emergency maneuvers in open water.

3. Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars

  • Maintain full control of the craft whenever underway.

4. Allow Extra Following Distance

  • Jet Skis accelerate and maneuver quickly.

  • Leave plenty of room between yourself and other watercraft.

5. Never Jump Boat Wakes Closely

  • Crossing or jumping wakes too close to other vessels can cause collisions and injuries.

 

Passenger Safety

Before Departure

  • Explain how to board and hold on properly.

  • Demonstrate where to place hands and feet.

  • Review emergency procedures.

While Riding

  • Passengers should remain seated while the craft is moving.

  • Never attempt to board from the side while the engine is running.

 

Swimming and Shoreline Safety

Keep Clear of Swimmers

  • Slow to idle speed when near swimming areas.

  • Maintain a safe distance from beaches and shorelines.

Use Extreme Caution Near Docks

  • Reduce speed significantly.

  • Watch for swimmers, paddleboards, and submerged obstacles.

 

Fueling Safety

Before Fueling

  • Shut off the engine.

  • Keep passengers off the vessel.

  • Extinguish smoking materials.

After Fueling

  • Secure fuel caps.

  • Check for leaks or fuel odors before restarting.

 

Emergency Procedures

If Someone Falls Overboard

  1. Reduce speed immediately.

  2. Keep the person in sight.

  3. Approach slowly from downwind or down-current.

  4. Shut off the engine when close enough for recovery.

If You Fall Off a Jet Ski

  1. Stay calm.

  2. Keep your life jacket on.

  3. Reboard according to manufacturer instructions.

  4. Attach the safety lanyard before restarting.

If Severe Weather Approaches

  1. Return to shore immediately.

  2. Seek shelter away from open water.

  3. Avoid high points and isolated structures during lightning storms.

 

****Important****

If Jet Ski Capsizes stay calm. You have approximately 30 seconds before it will begin to sink or water enter engine intake. Double check the sticker to the rear of the vehicle and roll it the direction indicated (counterclockwise on Seadoo) to avoid hydro-lock of the engine. Place hand on jet intake in center of the hull bottom for leverage, and your foot on the bumper lip. Then use body weight to roll jet ski back over.

​

Environmental Responsibility

Protect the Lake

  • Pack out all trash.

  • Avoid spilling fuel or oil.

  • Respect wildlife and nesting areas.

  • Operate responsibly near shorelines to reduce erosion.

​​

Safe boating protects everyone on the water. Enjoy your day responsibly and help keep our lakes safe for all visitors.

Seadoo GTI 130 SE Safety Guide

For Lake Mead Jet Ski Rentals – Sea-Doo GTI 130 SE

These procedures are specifically tailored to the Sea-Doo GTI 130 SE platform and should be reviewed before every ride.

 

1. Rider Falls Off the Watercraft

Immediate Actions

  1. Stay calm and keep your life jacket on.

  2. Account for all passengers.

  3. Verify the safety lanyard has shut off the engine.

  4. Swim to the rear (stern) of the Sea-Doo.

  5. Reboard using the boarding platform and ladder.

  6. Reattach the safety lanyard.

  7. Check surroundings before restarting.  

Never:

  • Reboard from the side.

  • Attempt to reboard with the engine running.

  • Place hands near the jet pump intake.  

 

2. Watercraft Capsizes (Rolls Over)

Immediate Actions

  1. Ensure the engine is OFF.

  2. Remove the safety lanyard.

  3. Locate the roll-over instruction decal on the hull.

  4. Roll the Sea-Doo in the direction indicated on the decal.

  5. Reboard from the rear.

  6. Restart only after all riders are safely aboard.  

****Important****

Rolling the craft the wrong direction can force water into the engine and cause severe damage.  

​

If Jet Ski Capsizes stay calm. You have approximately 30 seconds before it will begin to sink or water enter engine intake. Double check the sticker to the rear of the vehicle and roll it the direction indicated (counterclockwise on Seadoo) to avoid hydro-lock of the engine. Place hand on jet intake in center of the hull bottom for leverage, and your foot on the bumper lip. Then use body weight to roll jet ski back over.

​

3. Engine Will Not Start

Immediate Actions

  1. Stay with the watercraft.

  2. Check that the safety lanyard is fully seated.

  3. Ensure battery connections appear secure.

  4. Attempt restart only a few times.

  5. If unsuccessful, contact rental staff or emergency assistance.

Never:

  • Continue cranking repeatedly.

  • Abandon the watercraft and swim for shore.

The GTI 130 SE provides flotation and is easier for rescuers to locate than a swimmer.

 

4. Taking on Water / Flooding

Warning Signs

  • Bilge water visible.

  • Water sloshing inside hull.

  • Engine compartment unusually wet.

  • Craft sits lower in water.

Immediate Actions

  1. Reduce speed.

  2. Head directly toward the nearest safe shoreline.

  3. Keep the bow pointed into waves.

  4. Avoid aggressive turns.

  5. Notify rental staff immediately.

If Water Continues Rising

  1. Shut off engine.

  2. Stay with the Sea-Doo.

  3. Signal for assistance.

 

5. Collision With Another Vessel or Object

Immediate Actions

  1. Stop the Sea-Doo immediately.

  2. Check all passengers for injuries.

  3. Account for everyone in the water.

  4. Move out of navigation channels if possible.

  5. Call emergency services if injuries exist.

After Impact

Inspect:

  • Steering operation

  • Hull damage

  • Water intrusion

  • Reverse gate operation

If any damage is suspected, return to shore immediately.

 

6. Rider Injury or Medical Emergency

Immediate Actions

  1. Stop the Sea-Doo.

  2. Shut off engine.

  3. Keep injured person floating on their back.

  4. Use life jacket for support.

  5. Call 911 if serious injury is suspected.

Suspected Head, Neck, or Back Injury

  • Do NOT remove life jacket.

  • Minimize movement.

  • Wait for trained responders.

 

7. Sudden Severe Weather

Lightning

Immediately head toward shore.

High Winds

  • Reduce speed.

  • Keep bow facing waves.

  • Stay close to shoreline.

  • Avoid crossing open water.

Dust Storms (Common at Lake Mead)

  1. Slow immediately.

  2. Turn on navigation awareness.

  3. Head for nearest safe shoreline.

  4. Wait for visibility to improve.

 

8. Running Out of Fuel

Immediate Actions

  1. Reduce throttle immediately.

  2. Head toward nearest launch ramp or shoreline.

  3. Contact rental staff.

If Engine Stops

  • Remain with the Sea-Doo.

  • Stay visible.

  • Use whistle or hand signals if necessary.

Never attempt a long swim to shore.

 

9. Fire or Smoke

Immediate Actions

  1. Shut off engine.

  2. Remove safety lanyard.

  3. Move passengers away from affected area.

  4. Enter the water if fire becomes significant.

  5. Stay upwind of smoke.

Never:

  • Open sealed engine compartments during an active fire.

  • Attempt repairs on the water.

 

10. Watercraft Disabled and Requires Towing

Immediate Actions

  1. Attach tow line to designated tow point.

  2. Keep riders off the disabled craft if conditions permit.

  3. Tow slowly.

Maximum Safe Towing Speed

Maintain very slow towing speeds to prevent water from entering the engine system. Excessive towing speed can flood the engine. Operator guidance and owner discussions commonly reference keeping towing speeds under approximately 15 mph unless the cooling-water system is properly isolated.  

​

****Important****

​

Do not run jet ski in water less than four feet deep or near debris. The jet turbine will suck up mud, rocks, or weeds and cause serious damage. 

 

Universal Emergency Priorities (Remember: S.T.A.Y.)

S — Stay Calm

Panic causes most secondary injuries.

T — Think

Assess passengers, location, and hazards.

A — Account

Ensure every rider is present and wearing a PFD.

Y — Your Watercraft

Stay with the Sea-Doo whenever possible. It is easier to spot than a swimmer and provides flotation.

 

Required Safety Equipment for Every GTI 130 SE Ride

  • USCG-approved life jacket (required)

  • Safety lanyard attached to operator

  • Whistle or sound signaling device

  • Cell phone in waterproof case

  • Drinking water

  • Emergency contact information

Following these procedures will address the most common emergencies encountered on a Sea-Doo GTI 130 SE while operating on large reservoirs such as Lake Mead.

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