Safety turn saves the day

[2500]

On lake Murray sc this sat, several kids on jet skis, they were doing what they do, I like riding them too. I was going about 30 ish and one young girl was not watching where she was going. I saw a pontoon full of people and pulling kids on tube. Jet ski ran close to them and swerved to go around tubers and ran right at me. Then didn't make a move headed right at me, I turned hard and the 521 just cut and I powered back other way in my own wake. They came close and we talked. I think they were too young to be riding them but said thanks for not being mad and not continuing toward them, she had never rode one and not giving gas didn't let her turn. I have turned hard and have spun it out twice at high speeds, I really thought it was getting hit. Small channel with boats everywhere.

[like2fish2]

Good that you were alert and paying attention. It's good that you have are running a boat that responded to the driver too. Love my Ranger.

[Carlos H]

Good bit of situational awareness and also knowing your boats capabilities. Good on ya to also turn this into a teachable moment. Glad all are ok

[J D]

Salute!

[carolinagreenhead]

Glad it worked out the way it did and wasn't worse.

[Z518 Comanche]

[2500]

Thanks, nothing on my part other than seeing it develop, we all are in situations like this. I see so many boaters not understand the navigation rules

[TOXIC]

Here in Virginia there's an age limit and they have to pass a boaters safety class. I've seen some pretty dangerous things on the water. In every case where a jet ski or wave runner, etc., goes up against a boat,...........they lose!!

[Pete F.]

Here in Virginia there's an age limit and they have to pass a boaters safety class. I've seen some pretty dangerous things on the water. In every case where a jet ski or wave runner, etc., goes up against a boat,...........they lose!!

I really hope they start an aggressive enforcement of our new requirements...not that a safety course will undo some of the crazy stuff folks do.

[Tromanoski]

Cant fix stupid as far as the parents who let those kids operate a jet ski. Glad you were aware of the situation. Could have been a very different outcome if you were not on your toes operating your boat.

[TOXIC]

I really hope they start an aggressive enforcement of our new requirements...not that a safety course will undo some of the crazy stuff folks do.

Don't bet on it because the folks buying those high priced water toys won't like Junior getting ticketed. Having been a guide for so many years there is 1 rule I use to avoid on-coming craft. It was told to me early on by an old guide. When you are in a situation where you are approaching head on with another craft, make an aggressive turn to whichever side it can be done safely. Show them your broadside and leave no doubt which way you are turning. To hell with the USCG rules because there is a 99% chance the yahooer in the oncoming craft has never looked at the regs. That advice has served me well over the years.

[dean c]

Just part of summer boating...good job Jeff... Glad no one was hurt..can't wait for dec through March!

[besnyde]

Don't bet on it because the folks buying those high priced water toys won't like Junior getting ticketed. Having been a guide for so many years there is 1 rule I use to avoid on-coming craft. It was told to me early on by an old guide. When you are in a situation where you are approaching head on with another craft, make an aggressive turn to whichever side it can be done safely. Show them your broadside and leave no doubt which way you are turning. To hell with the USCG rules because there is a 99% chance the yahooer in the oncoming craft has never looked at the regs. That advice has served me well over the years.