Learn to safely launch, operate and retrieve a Jet Ski with confidence. 

Already hold your South Australian Boat & Jet Ski Licence and want to become more confident operating a Jet Ski? 

Surf Life Saving SA’s Jet Ski Practical Course is designed to give recreational Personal Watercraft or PWC operators practical, hands-on experience in a controlled and supportive environment. 

This course focuses on the skills that are difficult to learn from a licence theory course alone — including preparing your Jet Ski, safely hitching and towing the trailer, launching and retrieving your Jet Ski, manoeuvring in confined areas, operating in open waters and developing the confidence to operate your Jet Ski safely. 

Whether you’re a first-time Jet Ski owner or simply want to improve your practical skills, this course will help you become a safer, more capable and a more confident operator. 

Important Disclaimer 

YOU MUST have your licence already! This practical course is NOT a course to get your licence. It is an add-on value product to help you be safer on South Australian waters.  

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Practical, hands-on Jet Ski training 

  • Experienced Surf Life Saving SA trainers 

  • Small-group learning environment 

  • Trailer hitching and towing 

  • Safe launching and retrieval techniques 

  • Practical Jet Ski manoeuvring and handling 

  • Docking and launching considerations 

  • PWC safety and emergency procedures 

  • Pre-launch preparation and equipment checks 

  • Practical tips for operating safely in South Australian waters 

  • The course has been developed to focus on the practical skills required when owning and operating a Jet Ski. 

    Participants will work through the complete process of preparing a Jet Ski for use — from arriving at the launch location and preparing the trailer, through to launching, operating and safely recovering the PWC.

    • Jet Ski and trailer familiarisation 

    • Pre-launch safety and equipment checks 

    • Hitching a Jet Ski trailer to a vehicle 

    • Trailer safety and towing considerations 

    • Reversing a Jet Ski trailer 

    • Launching and retrieving a Jet Ski 

    • Safe ramp and launch-site procedures 

    • Starting and shutting down the Jet Ski 

    • Basic Jet Ski controls and operation 

    • Low-speed manoeuvring 

    • Turning and controlled manoeuvring 

    • Approaching and leaving a launch area 

    • Safe operating practices around other water users 

    • Understanding Jet Ski handling characteristics 

    • Emergency stop and emergency procedures 

    • Basic breakdown and recovery considerations 

    • Safe recovery and securing of the Jet Ski after use 

  • The Jet Ski Practical Course is delivered as a hands-on practical session. 

    9:00am – Welcome, introductions & safety briefing 

    We’ll begin with a short introduction to the course, the Jet Ski and trailer, the day’s activities and key safety considerations. 

  • Trailer familiarisation & reversing 

    Participants will learn how to safely hitch the Jet Ski trailer to a vehicle and understand the basic principles of trailer safety. 

    You’ll then have the opportunity to practise reversing and positioning the trailer under instructor guidance.

  • We’ll work through the practical steps involved in preparing the Jet Ski for launch, including safety checks, equipment and launch procedures. 

    Participants will then be guided through the process of safely launching the Jet Ski.

  • The session will finish by working through the safe retrieval and recovery of the Jet Ski, including approaching the ramp, loading the PWC onto the trailer and securing it for transport. 

  • This course is designed for recreational Jet Ski and personal watercraft operators who want to improve their practical skills and confidence. 

    It is particularly suitable for: 

    • New Jet Ski owners 

    • People purchasing their first PWC 

    • Boat licence holders who have little or no Jet Ski experience 

    • Families wanting to build practical water-safety skills 

    • Recreational operators wanting additional confidence 

    • People who have completed their Boat Operator Licence but want practical experience before operating independently 

    • Hold a current South Australian Boat & PWC Operator Licence 

    • Be able to safely participate in the practical activities and meet the criteria  

    • Follow all instructor directions and safety requirements 

    • Complete the required enrolment and participant declarations prior to attending 

    • Participants must be comfortable around the water and have a basic level of swimming and water survival techniques and ability. 

  • At Surf Life Saving SA, safety is at the centre of everything we do. 

    Our instructors bring experience from an organisation dedicated to keeping people safe in and around the water. 

    The course is designed to provide participants with practical experience in a controlled learning environment while reinforcing the importance of responsible PWC operation. 

    We cover the practical considerations that can make the difference between simply knowing how to operate a Jet Ski and being confident enough to operate one safely.

  • Participants should bring: 

    • Appropriate clothing – MUST be long sleeve covered clothing to ensure your safety  

    • Towel and change of clothes  

    • Sun protection 

    • Water bottle 

    • Suitable footwear 

    • Hat and sunscreen 

    • Any personal medication required 

    • Food and drink for lunch and other breaks  

    • All required Jet Ski and safety equipment will be provided unless otherwise specified at the time of booking. 

  • Holding a Boat & PWC Operator Licence provides you with the legal authority to operate a powered vessel where applicable, but practical experience is just as important. 

    A Jet Ski handles differently from many other vessels. Understanding throttle control, steering, stopping distances, low-speed manoeuvring, launching and retrieving your PWC can significantly improve your confidence and safety on the water. 

    Our course gives you the opportunity to practise these skills with an experienced instructor before heading out on your own. 

  • Surf Life Saving SA has been keeping South Australians safe in and around the water for generations. 

    By participating in our Jet Ski Practical Course, you’re learning from an organisation whose purpose is centred around water safety, education and community service. 

    Learn the skills. Build your confidence. Operate safely. 

  • Take the next step in becoming a safer and more confident Jet Ski operator. 

    Book your course today and get practical experience that you can take with you every time you hit the water. 

  • Do I need a Boat & PWC Operator Licence? 

    Yes. A Jet Ski/PWC is a powered vessel and South Australian licensing requirements apply. Participants MUST hold the appropriate licence before undertaking the practical course. 

    Is this a Jet Ski licence course? 

    No. This is a practical skills course designed to complement your existing boating licence. It focuses on hands-on Jet Ski operation, launching, retrieval and trailer skills. It is NOT a course to gain your licence.  

    Do I need to own a Jet Ski? 

    No. Jet Ski and required practical training equipment such as Life Jackets can be provided as part of the course, subject to course arrangements. 

    Is the course suitable for beginners? 

    Yes. The course is specifically designed to assist people with limited or no practical Jet Ski experience. Participants will be guided through the skills progressively by an experienced instructor. 

    Will I be riding the Jet Ski? 

    Yes. The course is practical and participants will have the opportunity to develop their Jet Ski handling and manoeuvring skills under instructor supervision. You will be on your own designated Jet Ski. The trainer will always operate alongside you on our trainer Jet Ski. 

    Can clubs, schools or organisations book a private course? 

    Yes. Surf Life Saving SA can work with clubs, schools, community organisations and other groups to arrange practical Jet Ski training. Contact us to discuss your requirements. 

    How many people are in each course? 

    Course numbers are limited to ensure participants receive meaningful hands-on instruction and practical experience. 4 to 6 people maximum.  

    What happens if the weather or water conditions are unsuitable? 

    The safety of participants and instructors is our priority. If conditions are unsuitable for practical training, Surf Life Saving SA may postpone or reschedule the practical component in accordance with the course terms and conditions.