RECREATION

AIR BOATS AND JET SKIS

Operating and maintaining air boats and jet skis have the same potential negative impacts associated with boating. Because of their special features of compact size, air boats and jet skis have access to areas that naturally restrict most boats. Some of these areas are environmentally sensitive.

These areas include shallow, estuary waters where the propulsion and turbidity could disturb or damage aquatic plants, invertebrates, and the living community on the water's floor.

These tiny creatures are the beginning of the food web and if we destroy them, we will damage the rest of the web, including ourselves.

As an air boat skims over the water's surface, the weight of the boat pushes down, producing a pressure wake. In shallow waters air boats leave a trail, pressing down vegetation, disturbing bottom sediments, and damaging benthic dwellers.

Jet skis run on an impeller system which has the potential to create turbidity in shallow waters, and they use a gas/oil fuel mixture. Vendors should inform tourists and the general public who rent jet skis of the potential negative impacts and request cooperation.

Air boat and jet ski owners and operators should observe the following boating precautions where applicable:

  • Observe posted wake speeds and NO WAKE signs.
  • Avoid cutting through seagrass beds.
  • Avoid spilling fuel and clean up spills immediately.
  • Clean the air boat or jet ski with a brush, sponge, water and a biodegradable, phosphate-free soap.
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