Read before departure

Safety Guidelines

These rules protect you, your passengers, other boaters, and Southwest Florida's marine environment. Review them before every rental or guided experience.

Updated September 15, 2026

All participants must sign the waiver before departure. Boat renters must also review the boat rental agreement.

01

Rider and operator eligibility

  • Renters must be 18 or older and present valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Drivers may be 16 or older when a parent rents the jet ski and the driver holds a valid boating safety card.
  • Anyone born after January 1, 1988 who operates a powered vessel in Florida must complete an approved boater safety course or obtain a Florida Temporary Boating Certificate.
  • Alcohol or drug impairment ends the rental immediately without refund. We reserve the right to refuse service.
02

Required safety equipment

  • Life jackets must be worn as directed and must be available for every passenger.
  • The safety lanyard or kill switch must remain attached to the jet ski operator while underway.
  • Provided maps and navigation guidance must remain with the watercraft.
  • Carry hydration and sun protection for Southwest Florida conditions.
03

Core operation rules

  • Observe idle and no-wake speed near marinas, docks, anchored vessels, and posted manatee zones.
  • Yield to larger commercial traffic and never assume another vessel can stop quickly.
  • Avoid aggressive turns or speed changes that could unseat passengers.
  • Never splash, spray, or jump another vessel's wake.
04

Safe distancing

Most collisions happen because riders follow too closely or converge on the same path.

  • Maintain 300 feet or 100 yards from swimmers, docks, shorelines, beaches, anchored boats, and other personal watercraft.
  • Give fishing vessels additional space because lines may extend behind them.
  • Never chase dolphins, manatees, birds, or other wildlife.
06

Environmental care

  • Pack out everything you bring; litter must never enter the water.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen where possible.
  • Report injured or distressed wildlife to the FWC hotline at (888) 404-3922.
07

Emergencies and breakdowns

  • Stop the engine immediately after a capsize and follow the orientation instructions for righting the craft.
  • Call the provided service number for assistance and never abandon rented equipment.
  • Dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies and provide GPS coordinates or nearby landmarks.
08

Weather and visibility

  • Summer storms form quickly. If thunder is heard, begin your return immediately.
  • In fog or reduced visibility, slow to a safe speed and signal when near other vessels.
  • We may terminate or reschedule an experience when conditions become unsafe.

Take care of it now

Ready before the water.