Is It Okay to Ride a PWC at Night?
With a PWC (personal watercraft), you can move quickly on the water and explore the environment near the shore. Simply put, they are a blast for a warm, sunny day on the water. Still, there is the question of when it's appropriate to ride a PWC and whether you can ride it at night. At Specialty Recreation & Marine, we want to clear up some confusion on the topic. For more info, visit our location in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We also serve Spokane, Washington.
Is It Legal?
You cannot ride a PWC at night. This is because you cannot use navigation lights on a PWC. Using the lights on a PWC can confuse other boats. A PWC can also cause further confusion due to its sudden movements. Should you choose to use the lights, you can be fined by water patrol. A personal watercraft is hard to see in the daytime and even more so at night.
Situations to Avoid Riding Your PWC
The rooster tail is visible during the day. It is not possible to see at night. Not to mention, people tend to do irresponsible things on PWC. The risks that come with that heighten at night. Even if you are wearing a life jacket, it doesn't have a reflector.
So, in the event you fall off the PWC, you are invisible. Side note, avoid riding your PWC when it is foggy or raining outside. If you are surprised by a storm, especially a thunderstorm, while on your PWC, get to shore as soon as possible.
What to Do If You Are in the Dark
If you find yourself in the dark on your PWC, you are a sitting duck. Make your way to land as soon as possible. Maintaining a membership with a boat towing company can be helpful in situations like this. Tows aren't cheap. You can save a lot of money with a membership.
When Can You Ride a PWC at Night?
There are some exceptions that allow you to drive your PWC at night. The Sea-Doo SAR is a PWC only available to search and rescue teams. It has navigation lights that make the PWC great for night ops. With the SAR, rescue teams can to places that are hard to reach.
Of course, PWCs are fun. However, you should never sacrifice safety when out on the water. If you are looking for a PWC, come to Specialty Recreation & Marine in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to choose one. We also serve residents throughout Spokane, Washington, and the surrounding areas.
