Alcohol, Drugs, Fatigue and Rider Fitness
Fitness to operate
Operating a PWC demands coordination, balance, vision and quick judgement. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time, impair balance and reduce judgement, and the effects are magnified on the water by sun, glare, wind, noise and motion. In NSW, alcohol and drug limits apply to people operating vessels, including PWCs, and police can conduct testing. The safest approach is not to drink or use drugs before or during a ride. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines also impair alertness, so read the label and do not ride if affected.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a major and often underestimated risk. Long days in the sun, dehydration and the physical effort of riding combine to reduce concentration. Plan rest breaks, drink water, avoid riding when tired, and do not push on to finish a trip.
Traps
Questions often suggest that a small amount of alcohol is fine because the rider feels alert. Impairment can occur below the legal limit. Another trap is treating fatigue as a minor issue; it is a serious safety hazard. Do not assume energy drinks or coffee replace rest.
Worked example
A rider has had two drinks at lunch and feels fine. The correct decision is not to ride, because alcohol impairs judgement and reaction time even when the rider feels normal, and legal limits apply.