Jet Ski Close Call

We had just gotten out of the “No Wake” zone in Topock Canyon and were revved up to speed, heading upstream along the Colorado River on our way back to Laughlin from Lake Havasu City.

We passed a number of people on jet skis, who smartly moved either to the left or the right to get out of our way. “Smart” because larger boats (including jet boats, obviously) always have the right of way since personal water craft like jet skis are smaller and more maneuverable.

One woman ahead of us didn’t give way. The captain blew his horn. She maintained her course. The captain turned on the siren. She kept going in a straight line, even angling slightly into our jet boat’s path.

Suddenly, our captain did the only thing he could do. He threw his engines into reverse and turned the wheel sharply to the right, sending a huge spray of water off to the left and scaring the hell out of us passengers. But he had to do it, to avoid smashing into the woman.

She finally took notice, slowed down and looked back in puzzlement as if to say, “What the hell just happened here?” Another jet skier pulled up alongside her and (hopefully) explained how close she’d come to being run over and possibly killed by our boat.

I’m sure she looked over at the passengers, most of whom were shaking our heads at her stupidity. I hope she learned her lesson: Never get lost in the excitement of what you’re doing; always be aware of danger approaching from the rear.

That kind of excitement, I can do without.