Updated: Dec 30, 2019
Renting a waverunner is easy and fun! First thing to know is that you must be 18 years of age to rent a waverunner. You will be asked to show a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport) in order to start the rental process. Although you must be 18 to rent the vessel, participants 16 and 17 years of age are allowed to drive a rental waverunner on Ft. Myers Beach. We require all drivers to show a valid driver’s license or other photo ID. A parent can rent a waverunner and let a child drive (as long as the child is 16 or over). The waverunners have a small compartment where you can store your ID if you choose to take it with you on the waverunner, or we can hold it for you at our rental booth. Passengers are allowed on the waverunner. We do not recommend children under three as a passenger.
The state of Florida requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 to have a NASBLA approved Safe Boating License in order to drive a vessel (waverunner or power boat). If you do not have a NASBLA approved safe boating license (from any state), you can get a Temporary Boating License in person at any Holiday Water Sports location or go on our website to complete the test online. A link is provided on our home page to get your temporary license online. You will receive an email confirmation that you passed the test, but you will still need to show proper ID at our counter as well as the confirmation email proving you have passed. The procedure to obtain a license in person at our beach location is to let the rental agent know you wish to obtain a temporary boating license. You will need to show your ID to prove your age. You will receive a study guide that instructs you on safe boating practices and laws. Once you know the material, you return the study guide and the rental agent will issue you a test. The test is multiple choice and it costs $3 each. Our rental agents are not allowed to assist with the test. Once you have completed the test, the rental agent will grade it and if you pass, you are issued a temporary license. You must have this license with you while operating the vessel.
After all licenses are approved, participants must fill out a release of liability and waverunner instruction form. These forms explain liability of participants and outline driving instructions and rules/laws on the water. It is important that these forms are read carefully and filled out properly. Payment is made when the forms are done. You can either charge to your room if you are staying at a resort location, pay with a credit card or in cash.
Once all the paperwork is completed, you will be sent to an instructor to receive a verbal instruction on how to operate the waverunner. The instruction will go over local waterway rules and regulations, safe driving of a vessel, how to operate the waverunner and other important items including wildlife viewing regulations. You will receive the rules in writing, verbally in the instruction and they are also posted on our rental booth.
We will pass out lifejackets and then it is time to go have fun! Each waverunner is equipped with a watch so participants know when to come back to shore. Overtime will be charged. Anyone suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to drive our waverunners.
If you are taking the waverunner out on our guided Dolphin Adventure Tour, the instruction will include all of the above information plus other items necessary to keep you safe while traveling in the back bay areas. Dolphin Adventure Tours are very popular and we recommend advanced reservations, especially in March and April.
I hope this helps answer some questions about renting a Yamaha Waverunner. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
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