Don’t Hit the Water Without These: Nine PWC Essentials

9 Essentials Every Jet Ski Owner Shouldn't be Caught Without

As the warm weather rolls in, it’s officially time to get back on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned personal watercraft (PWC) owner or a new rider gearing up for your first summer, being prepared is more than just a smart move—it’s essential for safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

We’ve put together a list of nine must-have PWC essentials that belong on every ride. Better yet, we’ve bundled eight of these nine items into one easy-to-grab Watercraft Essentials Kit you can get right here to make sure you’re never caught off guard. While Oregon law requires some of these items, others are recommended for your own benefit.

And if you’re in the market for a new PWC, check out our full lineup of watercraft for sale on our website.

Here are our nine must-have PWC essentials:

1. Roll Top Dry Bag

Keep your gear dry, secure, and easy to access. Our clear roll top dry bag is large enough to fit all your essentials yet compact enough to stash in your PWC’s storage compartment. It's airtight, waterproof, and gives you instant visibility of your items so you know exactly where everything is.

2. Waterproof Charger

Dead batteries can end a great day before it even starts. A weatherproof, automatic 800mA battery charger and maintainer will keep your 12-volt battery types charged, healthy, and ready to go.

3. Fire Extinguisher (Type B)

Fires on the water are rare—but when they happen, they're dangerous. A Type B fire extinguisher, made for flammable liquid fires, is a critical safety requirement for any PWC. Be sure to keep it accessible and know how to use it.

4. Ultimate Lanyard

This isn’t just a convenience—it's a lifesaver. The ultimate lanyard connects to your wrist and the ignition, shutting off the engine if you're thrown from the seat. It’s simple, essential, and mandatory in many areas.

5. Paddle

Motors fail. Shallow waters happen. A compact paddle can save you if you get stuck or stranded. It’s not required by law, but it should be required by you.

6. Dock Line

Whether you’re docking for lunch or tying up with friends, a reliable dock line is crucial. Keep a few onboard to secure your PWC safely and avoid drifting or damage.

7. Sand Anchor Bag

Perfect for shallow water anchoring, our sand anchor comes with a snap hook, buoy, and a 6-ft braided line. Just fill it with up to 35 lbs of sand or rocks, toss it in, and you’re set. Lightweight, compact, and effective.

8. Whistle (or Air Horn)

By law, you’re required to have a sound-producing device that can be heard from at least ½ nautical mile. A simple whistle meets that need and takes up virtually no space.

9. Life Jacket

Never hit the water without a wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Even the best swimmers need one, and it could save you or someone else's life.

10. Get the Full Kit

We’ve taken the guesswork out of prepping your PWC. Our Watercraft Essentials Kit includes everything in one smart bundle, so you can take the worry out of watercraft prep. (excludes lifejacket)

Want a closer look? Watch our Watercraft Essentials Video for a full breakdown of what is required by Oregon law.