While DNR officials say the number of accidents involving jet skis is increasing, most accidents are investigated by county sheriffs. That means comprehensive accident statistics are difficult to track. Dave Plia sells and rents personal watercraft at a Bemidji dealership. He says dealers do everything they can to educate riders about safety. All new personal watercraft come with a safety video, and, like most dealers, Dave Plia explains all laws and safety rules before he sells or rents a jet ski.
Swimmers are the big one.
Plia says most people operate personal watercraft within the law and follow common sense safety rules. He says a few bad apples are making the entire industry look bad. Plia says the popularity of jet skis is strong after five years of record sales, and the machines come with more gadgets and more power every year. But you have to make sure you can handle it. You want to make sure everybody is properly trained.