What should you do if your personal watercraft (PWC) overturns?

When a personal watercraft (PWC) overturns, it's crucial to follow specific procedures to ensure safety and proper handling of the situation. The appropriate action is to check the stern decal for the proper way to turn the craft upright. Many PWCs have instructions located on the craft itself that provide guidance on how to right the vessel efficiently and safely.

It's important to follow these instructions because turning the PWC upright in the correct manner can help prevent water from entering the engine, which could make it more difficult to start the craft after it's been righted. Additionally, attempting to restart the engine without ensuring the craft is correctly positioned could lead to further complications, including potential damage to the engine or the risk of capsizing again.

The other responses might not be the best immediate actions. Calling for help is important if you're in a dangerous situation but isn't the first step recommended for simply righting an overturned PWC. Leaving the craft and swimming to shore should only be considered if you are in immediate danger or unable to recover the craft, as it may lead to safety risks. Attempting to restart the engine without properly righting the craft may also lead to complications, especially if water has entered the engine compartment.