A personal water craft (PWC) is also called a 'water scooter' but is better known by the Kawasaki brand name of 'Jet Ski'. There are wide range of PWC manufacturers most of which can be seen in our listings below. The rider mounts the PWC as you would a motorbike so in this sense it is different to other types of boating. They are powered by inboard engine and are a great thrill, if a wet ride.

Modern PWCs include a kill chord, to turn off the PWC if the rider falls off. Jet Skis are highly transportable and are easily towed behind a car for launching off slipways or beaches.Some modern PWC can carry three persons and in addition to luggage and a picnic.

The major manufacturers of PWCs are Kawasaki, Bombardier and Yamaha. There are a number of different recreational uses for Jet skis but mainly the enjoyment in Ireland is buzzing around at speed either solo or in a group of two or three.

Another use is for surfers to use PWCs to get to waves and get up to speed with them; this is known as tow-in surfing.The RNLI lifeboat service, and some police forces use PWCs because of their ability to operate in shallow waters and manoeuvrability. Lifeguards use PWCs equipped with rescue platforms to rescue water users who get into difficulties and carry them back to shore. Rescuers have used PWCs to pickup flood survivors.