Before you ride

Rules & Requirements

Everything you need before you launch, plus the rules that keep everyone safe. Our crew walks you through all of it at check-in.

Requirements to Ride

Age requirements

Renters must be 18+ to sign the rental agreement, and operators must be at least 18 years old with a valid photo ID. Passengers of any age are welcome with a parent or guardian present and signing the waiver on their behalf.

Valid photo ID

Every renter needs a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in, plus a credit card in the same name for the security deposit.

Florida boater education

Florida requires a Boating Safety Education ID for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988. Complete it online in advance — it only takes a few minutes — or we can help you finish it on site before you launch.

Safety briefing

Every rider goes through a short, friendly safety briefing before launch — controls, no-wake zones, hand signals, and where to ride. It takes about 15 minutes and it's required, every time.

Life jackets provided

Coast Guard-approved life jackets are included in every rental and must be worn by all riders, in all sizes from kids to adults.

Weather & conditions

If conditions aren't safe we'll reschedule you or refund you in full. Light rain usually doesn't cancel a ride — lightning, small craft advisories, and heavy chop do.

Get your Florida Boating Safety Certificate

Born on or after January 1, 1988? Florida requires this certificate before you can operate a jet ski. Click below to take the official course online — it only takes a few minutes.

Take the Florida Boating Test

Safety First

How We Keep Every Ride Safe

Safety is part of the experience at Rick's Aquasports. Our crew reviews every point below with you before launch, and our gear is set up to protect riders from the moment they leave the dock.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Your safety starts before you hit the water. Here is exactly how every check-in flows, so you know what to expect and can launch with confidence.

  1. 1.Check in and present a valid government-issued photo ID.
  2. 2.Sign the rental waiver (required for all riders).
  3. 3.Receive your life vest and safety gear.
  4. 4.Attend a mandatory on-site safety briefing with our team.
  5. 5.Get hands-on instruction on how to operate the jet ski.
  6. 6.Head out on the water — our team is available for support.

Safety Lanyard / Engine Cut-Off Switch

Every jet ski is equipped with a safety lanyard — also called an engine cut-off switch — for your protection.

  1. •The safety lanyard will be attached to your life vest before you launch.
  2. •If the rider falls off, the lanyard pulls free and automatically shuts off the engine so the ski stops.
  3. •Riders are NOT allowed to remove the lanyard from their life vest at any time during the rental.
  4. •The lanyard must stay attached to the life vest for the entire ride.

Life Vests (Required)

Life vests are non-negotiable — and they keep the fun safe for everyone.

  1. •Every rider and passenger must wear a properly fastened life vest at all times on the water — no exceptions.
  2. •Life vests are provided and must stay on and buckled the entire ride.

How to Ride Safely

A few simple habits make every ride smoother, safer, and more fun.

  1. •Start slow and get comfortable before increasing speed.
  2. •Keep both hands on the handlebars; passengers hold on securely.
  3. •Maintain a safe distance from other vessels, swimmers, docks, and the shoreline.
  4. •Obey no-wake zones and posted speed limits.
  5. •Always look before turning; be aware of your surroundings.
  6. •Never operate recklessly, jump wakes near others, or ride under the influence.

What to Do If a Passenger Falls Off

If someone goes in the water, stay calm and follow these steps.

  1. 1.Slow down immediately and stay calm.
  2. 2.Turn the ski around slowly and keep the person in your sight at all times.
  3. 3.Approach them slowly from the side — never drive directly at or reverse toward someone in the water.
  4. 4.Cut the throttle as you get close.
  5. 5.Help them reboard from the REAR of the jet ski using the reboarding step/handle.
  6. 6.Make sure their life vest is secure before continuing.

Loose Items & Valuables

The water is no place for your everyday valuables.

  1. •Rick's Aquasports is NOT responsible for any lost or damaged jewelry, phones, watches, sunglasses, keys, or other loose or personal items.
  2. •Riders are strongly advised to leave valuables on shore. Anything brought on the water is at the rider's own risk.

Rules & Regulations

Clear rules keep everyone safe and the fleet in great shape. You'll agree to these in your rental waiver.

On the water

  1. 1.No reckless operation. Obey all no-wake zones, posted speed limits, and channel markers.
  2. 2.Stay within the designated riding area shown in your briefing. Leaving the area may end your rental without refund.
  3. 3.Keep a safe distance from swimmers, divers-down flags, boats, docks, and wildlife (including manatee zones).
  4. 4.No jumping boat wakes near other vessels, and no riding after sunset.

Rider conduct

  1. 1.No operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Florida BUI laws are enforced and we will refuse service.
  2. 2.Life jackets must be worn at all times by every rider on the ski.
  3. 3.The engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator for the entire ride.
  4. 4.Maximum rider count and weight limits per ski must be respected.

Rental terms

  1. 1.All riders (and a guardian for any minor) must sign the liability waiver and rental agreement before launch.
  2. 2.Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your start time are refunded in full; inside that window the deposit is held as credit toward a rescheduled ride. Weather cancellations by us are always refunded in full.
  3. 3.The renter is responsible for damage, loss, or theft of the ski and equipment during the rental period, up to $2,500 per ski. A refundable $500 hold is placed at check-in and released after the ski is returned undamaged.
  4. 4.Late returns are billed at $50 per 15 minutes past your return time, and the security deposit may be applied to late fees.
  5. 5.Fuel is included in every rental. Skis leave the dock full and are refueled by our crew after each ride — you are never billed for gas unless the ski is returned outside the agreed rental window.
  6. 6.We reserve the right to end a rental without refund for unsafe or abusive behavior.

Questions about any of this before you book? Call us at (305) 555-0123 — Open daily · Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat–Sun 7am–8pm.

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