Polaris 2003 MSX - Manual (Page 25)

23
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Vehicle Modifications
Modifications to this machine could create safety
hazards and reduce vehicle reliability as well as make
it unsafe or illegal to operate. Do not modify this
watercraft or any of its components. Any
modifications to the watercraft will void your warranty.
Operator Fatigue and Dehydration
Long hours of boating with exposure to noise,
vibration, sun, glare and wind can result in operator
fatigue and dehydration. These conditions can affect
your balance, vision, judgment and reaction time.
Fatigue and dehydration can increase your risk of an
accident resulting in bodily injury or death. Combining
alcohol consumption with this condition greatly
increases your risk of causing an accident.
Learn to recognize the early symptoms of fatigue, and
allow your body to recover by taking a break from
operating the watercraft. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic
beverages to prevent dehydration, and wear protective
riding gear to protect against exposure to weather
elements.
Hypothermia
Your life may depend on a clear understanding of the
effects of cold water on the human body. Many
suspected drowning victims actually died from cold
exposure (hypothermia) rather than drowning.
Hypothermia can begin in water as warm as 80
° F.
(27
° C). It’s a condition in which the body loses heat
faster than it can produce it. Violent shivering
develops, which may give way to confusion and a loss
of body movement. Hypothermia can result in severe
injury or death in a very short time.
To avoid hypothermia:
S Dress warmly.
S Wear proper gear and stay as dry as possible.
S Seek a warm environment at the first sign of
hypothermia (mild shivering).
If you fall into the water:
S Do not discard clothing.
S While wearing your life jacket, draw your knees up
toward your chest and hold them there with your
arms in the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP).