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Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski?
Proper knowledge of these legal stipulations fosters responsible watercraft usage and helps prevent accidents and legal complications.
Key Takeaway
The webpage discusses the legal age requirements for jet ski driving in different US states. However, it does not provide the specific age requirements.
Summary
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- The legal age requirement to drive a jet ski varies between 12 and 18 years old, depending on the state.
- Some states require young operators to complete a boating safety course.
- Supervision by an adult may be required in some states.
- A boating license or permit may be necessary in some states.
- Local regulations can differ widely; please check specifics before driving a jet ski.
- Age restrictions may apply for jet ski insurance coverage.
It’s that time of the year again. Who doesn’t love watersports? Nobody.
As soon as the summer hits, people run towards the waterfront to enjoy all kinds of watersports. This is especially true for jet-skiing.
Now the weather is perfect, you and your friends are ready for extreme fun. But wait, are you eligible to drive a jet ski?
That’s a super important question; the answer varies according to your state.
- Want to know if you’re allowed to Jet Ski in your state?
- Which state poses the most minor restrictions?
In this post, I will discuss all states’ age laws for jet skiing. I hope you are not underage. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
How Old Do You Need to Be To Drive A Jet Ski?
Alabama
So if you are living in Alabama, know that your state has set a minimum age requirement to operate a PWC. Before we continue, a PWC is a personal watercraft that includes jet skis, wave runners, sea doos, etc.
You need to be 12 years or older to operate any PWC. However, you would still need someone 21 or older on board with a boating license. If you are 12 or 13, he/she should be within reach of the controls. If you are 14 or older, you are free to operate alone.
Alaska
If you live in Alaska, the good news is that there is no minimum age requirement for operating a PWC there. However, it’s always good to be careful.
American Samoa
The minimum age requirement for a jet ski in American Samoa is 18. Since you would be old enough to be on board, you do not need an elder to be on board.
Arizona
Arizona has made it illegal for people under 12 to operate a PWC. They have illegalized using any vessel with a horsepower greater than eight. This includes the PWCs too.
However, it’s allowed if there is an emergency or an 18-year-old or older person on board.
Arkansas
Arkansas has made it legal for 14-year-olds to operate the PWC alone as long as they have BE. People under 14, i.e., 12 or 13, must be certified and have an 18-year-old onboard.
Similarly, people under 12 should have BE, and a person 21 years or older on board should have the experience and be able to take immediate control of the jet ski.
California
California also sets an age limit of 16 years or older for people who want to jet ski alone on a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more. Twelve—to fifteen-year-olds must ski under the supervision of an adult (18 years or older).
Colorado
It would be best if you were 16 years or older in Colorado to operate a jet ski independently. However, if you are younger than 16 and can’t wait, you can complete a boating safety course and are good to go.
Connecticut
To operate a jet ski in Connecticut, you must be 16 years or older. There are no other options.
Delaware
In Delaware, if you are 14 to 16 years old, you need an adult on board with you when you take a boating class.
District of Columbia
Are you living in DC and fond of jet skiing? But are you afraid you might be underage? There is good news for you. The District of Columbia does not put an age limit for jet skiing.
Florida
With so many watersport attractions, Florida had to be careful. Hence, to operate a PWC independently, you must be at least 14 years old.
Georgia
Georgia has been a little easy on young jet skiers by making the age limit 12 years or older.
Guam
In Guam, anyone 16 years of age or older can operate a jet ski independently. However, anyone under 16 requires visual supervision.
Huawei
Huawei has allowed its people of 15 years and above to operate personal watercraft independently.
Idaho
In Idaho, there is no age limit for jet skiing. You are free to have fun at any age.
Illinois
In Illinois, the allowed age to ride a jet ski is 18. However, if you are between 12 and 18, you can get a boater’s education and become eligible for jet skiing.
Indiana
Indiana has made it legal for 15-year-olds with valid ID and education requirements to operate a jet ski. For 16-year-olds or older, a valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required to ride a jet ski with a horsepower of more than 10.
Iowa
The minimum age limit in Iowa to ride a jet ski alone is 12. An adult must accompany children under 12.
Kansas
In Kansas, if you are 12 years or older, you are good to go for jet skiing.
Kentucky
Like Kansas, Kentucky has also put an age limit of 12 years for jet skiing.
Louisiana
If you are 16 years or older and live in Louisiana, you can ride a jet ski but must have a boating certification.
Maine
In Maine, it is illegal for a person under 16 to operate a jet ski. However, if someone falls in the age group of 16 – 18, they may operate a jet ski if:
- They have completed an approved boating certification or
- There is someone 18 years or older onboard.
Maryland
If you are 16 or older, you can jet ski in Maryland.
Massachusetts
You must be 16 years or older in Massachusetts to ride a jet ski. However, if you are under 17, you must get a boater’s education to operate a PWC.
Michigan
Michigan has made jet skiing legal for all 14 years and older.
Minnesota
You must be 13 years or older to operate a jet ski in Minnesota. However, if you are under 17, you must also get and qualify for a boater’s education.
Mississippi
Mississippi has set a lower age limit of 12 for jet skiing. All age groups must also complete an approved boating safety course.
Missouri
Yes, there is also an age limit on jet skiers in Missouri: 14 years or older. However, people under 14 can also ride a jet ski under the direct supervision of a guardian, parent, or any person 16 years of age or older.
Montana
In Montana, the rules are different for different age groups. If the PWC has a horsepower of 10 or more:
- People below 12 years would need an adult on board
- 13 – 14-year-olds require a valid boating certification
- Those 15 years and more have no restrictions
Nebraska
If you are 14 or older, you can jet ski in Nebraska.
Nevada
In Nevada, the only requirement to be eligible to jet ski is 14 years old.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires a minimum age of 16 to operate a jet ski. If a skier is under 16, an adult must accompany him/her on board.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, the lower age limit for jet skiing is 16. The operator must also possess a boating safety certificate.
New Mexico
New Mexico has put an age limit of 13 years on little skiers.
New York
New York’s lower age limit for jet skiing is 14 years. Furthermore, possession of a boating safety certificate is mandatory.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, operating a jet ski for someone under 14 is illegal. For the age group of 14 – 16, accompanying an adult (18 years or older) on a jet ski is allowed. They can also ride a jet ski on their own if they possess:
- A certificate of competency from a NASBLA-approved boating education course
- Valid ID.
North Dakota
North Dakota has made it mandatory for minors (12-15 year-olds) to be state-certified to operate a jet ski with a horsepower of 10 or more when no adult is on board.
Northern Mariana Islands
To jet ski in the Northern Mariana Islands, you must be 16 years or older and have a valid operator’s license.
Ohio
In Ohio, the minimum age requirement for jet skiing is 12 years.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not allow anyone under 12 to operate a jet ski.
Acquiring a NASBLA-approved boating education certificate is mandatory for children between 12 and 16. Also, a competent adult (18 YOA or more) must be present within 500 yards for visual supervision.
Oregon
You must be 16 or older in Oregon to operate a jet ski alone.
Pennsylvania
The lower age limit for jet skiers in Pennsylvania is 12.
Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, any minor between the ages of 12 and 14 is allowed to operate a jet ski as long as an adult is on board.
Rhode Island
You can ride a jet ski in Rhode Island regardless of age. However, you must get certified if you were born after January 1, 1986.
South Carolina
There is no lower age limit on jet skiers in South Carolina, either. However, if you are under 16, you would require boater education to operate a vessel.
South Dakota
The minimum age to operate a jet ski in South Dakota is 14 unless a competent adult (at least 18 YOA) is on board.
Tennessee
The lower age limit for jet skiers in Tennessee is 12.
Texas
Texas puts a minimum age requirement of 16 years to operate a jet ski.
Utah
In Utah, you must be 18 years or older to operate a jet ski unless you have a valid boating certification.
Vermont
Vermont has made it mandatory for all jet skiers to be 16 years or older and own a valid boating safety certificate.
Virginia
The minimum age to ride a jet ski in Virginia is 14. However, for 14- —and 15-year-olds, a NASBLA-approved course certification is mandatory.
Washington
If you own a jet ski in Washington, the minimum age requirement is 14. However, the operator must be 16 years old or older if it is a rental.
West Virginia
The legal age to ride a jet ski in West Virginia is 15. You must also have a proper boater education.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the lower age limit for jet skiers is 12.
Wyoming
If you are 16 years or older, you can jet ski independently. However, if you are under 16, you can only jet ski in the presence of an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 13-year-old drive a jet ski if supervised by an adult?
In most states, 13-year-olds can drive a jet ski if supervised by an adult holding a valid boating safety certificate. Regulations vary, so it’s crucial to check specific state laws to ensure compliance and safety.
Do jet ski rental companies have their age restrictions?
Many jet ski rental companies impose age restrictions, requiring drivers to be at least 18, regardless of local laws. This policy ensures insurance compliance and liability management. Check with the rental company for specific requirements.
Does age affect insurance coverage for jet ski drivers?
Yes, age can impact insurance coverage and premiums for jet ski drivers. Younger drivers, especially those under 18, may face higher rates or limited coverage.
Some insurers may require a boating safety course certification for younger operators to reduce premiums.
Can someone under the legal age drive a jet ski in emergencies?
Regulations may be more flexible in emergencies, allowing minors to operate a jet ski. However, this is situational and not a standard practice.
All potential operators should be familiar with the jet ski and safety protocols to handle emergencies effectively.
Final Words
The minimum age requirement typically ranges between 12 and 18. Young operators must complete a boating safety course to understand the fundamentals of safe watercraft operation.
Additionally, younger individuals often require adult supervision to operate a jet ski legally.
In many jurisdictions, obtaining a boating license or permit is necessary to comply with local regulations, which can vary widely and should be checked thoroughly.
Insurance policies may also impose age restrictions on operators, affecting eligibility and coverage.
Therefore, aspiring jet ski drivers and their guardians must familiarize themselves with their area’s specific legal and insurance requirements to ensure compliance and safety.
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