Inattention and lack of experience are significant contributing factors in incidents involving personal watercraft (PWC). Operators failing to maintain adequate situational awareness or possessing insufficient skill to handle the vessel contribute substantially to mishaps on the water. These factors frequently result in collisions, groundings, and ejections from the PWC.
Understanding the primary reasons behind PWC accidents is crucial for promoting boater safety and reducing injuries. Increased awareness of these factors allows for more effective safety training programs and encourages responsible operation. Historically, a lack of standardized education and training has exacerbated the problem, leading to calls for enhanced operator licensing and mandatory safety courses.