More and more PCBeach visitors are enjoying the freedom of riding a jet ski! PWC (personal watercraft) are a lot of fun, but keep in mind that they are regulated by the same agency that regulates all boaters in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (the FWC). Be sure to keep in mind the rules that are in place for your safety before you ride a jet ski. For example, everyone riding on or operating a PWC must wear an approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device. Inflatable PFD’s are prohibited.
If you are a nonresident, you must comply with Florida boating safety education requirements. However, if you have proof in your possession that you have completed a boater safety course or equivalency exam that meets or exceeds Florida’s requirements (usually in the form of a certificate or card), you would not need to have a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. In addition, you would also be exempt if you are using your PWC as part of a “group ride” conducted by approved PWC rental vendors. Several of these vendors exist on Panama City Beach.
If you have never experienced the thrill of a ride on a jet ski while visiting Panama City Beach, you will most likely be glad that you tried it. It provides the freedom of a motorcycle ride, but it is always on water! During your ride you get experience everything from great views to the excitement of the spray of salt water high into the air. Keep in mind that you may also get a chance to see our most popular occupants of the Gulf, dolphins! They are frequently spotted along the Gulf and all of our inland waterways.
Most visitors who are new to the sport go along with a tour guide during their first ride. Others bring their own PWC’s with them when they come to the beach. PWC are fun, just be sure to follow the rules!