Operating a personal watercraft is not easy, especially when you are riding at high speeds in a populated area. We hear it time and time again in the news about how people are renting some personal watercraft and it usually ends in both parties walking away with minor injuries. Sadly, a couple that was on a vacation in Phuket, Thailand were involved in a high speed crash which resulted in the death of Emily Collie, according to OZPWC.com.
Collie was on a vacation with her boyfriend Thomas Keating out enjoying the nice weather and decided to rent a pair of personal watercraft. The sun was shining bright and according to Keating’s representatives, the “strong sunlight reflecting from the sea made it impossible for him to see the jet ski being ridden by his girlfriend, Emily Jayne Collie.” While authorities do not believe that Keating caused the crash on purpose, he will be facing charges of reckless driving causing her death. His family has expressed their remorse because they had the opportunity to know Collie for the 18 months she had been dating Keating.
Many riders take riding their craft as second nature, but being inexperienced can prove to be fatal. According to Thai law, anyone using a jet ski is supposed to have a ‘captain’s permit’. Many tourists do not have a permit and many rental companies just write on the paperwork that they do.
Please be a defensive rider and understand that when riding in a populated area to not reach high speeds. Save that for open areas, because doing so could save someone’s life. We send our condolences out to the family and friends of Emily Collie.
