Policy on Personal Water Crafts

Ratified by Surfrider Foundation Board of Directors on August 8th, 1998

The goal of Surfrider Foundation’s Policy on Personal Water Crafts, which includes jet skis, wave riders and sea doos, is to reduce the negative impacts to aquatic ecosystems and human life resulting from petrochemical discharge and high noise impacts from marine two-stroke engines and the unsafe use of personal water crafts.

The Surfrider Foundation supports Environmental Protection Agency regulations that would require the use of 4-stroke engines for Personal Water Crafts which reduce petrochemical discharge by up to 97%.

Recognizes that not all waterways are appropriate for boating and use of Personal Water Craft. Sensitive ecological areas warrant Personal Water Craft restrictions and buffers to reduce negative impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Personal Water Craft restrictions and buffers should be implemented to reduce multi-use conflicts.

Supports regulations which require an age limit, educational program, and a licensing system for Personal Water Craft use.