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Water sports are very popular in the UAE. They provide immense relief against the heat and are great ways to have fun while staying cool and refreshed. While generally accessible watersports such as swimming are available, intense options known as extreme watersports are more popular. These activities, while fun and adrenaline-filled, also carry with them a risk of danger. To keep yourself safe, it is important that you pay attention to safety guidelines. 

Why are safety guidelines so important?

Watersports, unlike land-based ones, involve an unpredictable element: water. Depending on the current, depth and how far the shore is, the danger level increases substantially. Without adequate safety measures, you could be at risk of drowning or even severe injury if something goes wrong while engaging in the watersport. Hence, for your protection, regulatory authorities do have safety guidelines you are expected to follow and it is always recommended to pay careful attention to them.

What are the safety guidelines to follow?

While each watersport has its own set of guidelines, there are general ones that are applicable to all of them. It is advisable to always research the specific safety measures in place for your activity before engaging in it. 

The general ones are as follows:

Wear the life vest correctly

To reduce the risk of drowning, you will be given floatation devices in the form of life vests or jackets. These typically have a whistle attached that you can use to alert people nearby if you are in danger. Some types also have lights which make it easier for people to locate you in the water. You should always wear life vests correctly, so they do not accidentally endanger your life. It is recommended that you not wear them too tight as it could make it difficult to breathe. Too loose could cause them to come off, and you may not be able to float properly. So make sure that your life vest is comfortably snug and not too tight.

Wear the correct clothing

When it comes to both your comfort level during the activity and your safety, the correct outfit matters. Before the activity, check what type of clothing suits your watersport. While jetskiing allows more freedom with clothing, it is best to avoid long baggy clothes that grab onto gears or go under the vehicle. If possible, always opt for a wetsuit, as it will help keep you warm and give you total freedom of movement without endangering you. 

Pay attention to weather warnings.

In group and instructor-led activities, much attention is paid to the weather. With water-related activities, weather conditions can significantly increase the risk of injury. Heavy storms could even cause you to become lost at sea due to the inability to navigate properly. Therefore, when you do individual activities without any supervision, as with jet ski rentals, you should always stay up-to-date with prevailing weather conditions. Also, make sure to note any changes to the weather that could potentially affect you later on. 

While extreme watersports are incredibly exciting, for the best experience, you should always pay attention to safety guidelines. For more information on jetskiing in Dubai and the safety measures you need to know, contact us at Xtreme Jetski.