Whether you're riding or just plan on being in the same water, you'll need to know certain things about these powerful machines.

We are fortunate here in Texas to not see many jet ski accident, but accidents do happen.

Last weekend a person died at Possum Kingdom Lake while riding a jet ski.

We spoke with a Game Warden today who gave us more information.

For starters, if there's no power going to the jet ski, there's also no way to steer it.

That means you could be putting yourself at risk, especially if you're swimming in the open water.

If you plan on being in the water this summer, to a no-wake zone or close to your boat.

For jet skiers, it's important to stay alert and follow the 50-foot rule: keep 50 feet between yourself and any other watercrafts, docks, or the shoreline if you're travelling higher than "headway speed" or nearly idle.

If you were born on or after September 1, 1993 it is mandatory to take the Texas Boater Safety Course if you want to operate a jet ski by yourself.

For anyone younger than 13, it's illegal to drive a jet ski, regardless of whether or not you've taken the Boater Safety Course.

A link to that course can be found at http://www.boat-ed.com/texas/usa_booyah.html?gclid=CJfV3_zAs7ECFcFeTAodyh0AsA.