Jet Ski race checklist for a safe, well-run event

A jet ski race needs more than racers and water. You must secure the venue, permits and water-management approval before setting the course, while safety boats, first aid and clear race rules need to be in place before registration opens. This checklist covers the planning sequence for a race with 67 tasks and 66 items, including timing, start numbers, fuel, equipment checks and spectator information. Use it to identify deadlines and avoid last-minute gaps on race day.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve competition venue
Apply for permits
Inform the water manager
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Set the match rules
2 people
Determine the start and finish area
2 people
Set out the course
3 people
Reserve safety boats
Arrange timekeeping
Assign judges
Arrange first aid staffing
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Create the participant list
2 people
Assign start numbers
2 people
Create the match schedule
2 people
Publish audience information
Order prizes and cups
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Pick up fuel
2 people
Check equipment
3 people
Prepare race numbers
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Cordon off the area
4 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Place course buoys
4 people
Mark the start line
3 people
Position safety boats
4 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Test timekeeping
3 people
Hold the jury briefing
4 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check safety equipment
3 people
Give participant briefing
4 people
Welcome the audience
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Host the opening round
5 people
Guide the first heat
7 people
Process interim results
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Guide the second heat
7 people
Lead the final
7 people
Check the final results
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
See the audience out
3 people
Securely moor the jet skis
4 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
4 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Remove course buoys
4 people
Take down tents and furniture
4 people
Clean equipment
3 people
Store competition materials
3 people
Return rental items
2 people
Clear away leftover stock
2 people
Publish results
Keep lost and found items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Folding tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50

Equipment

Megaphoneqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Battery chargersqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Laptop
Printer

Sports equipment

Competition jet skisqty 12
Spare jet ski
Life boatsqty 2
Life jacketsqty 30
Helmetsqty 30
Wetsuitsqty 20
Life ringsqty 6
Competition buoysqty 30
Anchorsqty 8
Mooring linesqty 20
Start flagsqty 6
Finish flag
Start number vestsqty 30
Spare parts
Toolboxesqty 3
Jerry cansqty 8
Waterproof storage boxesqty 6
Waterproof flashlightsqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 30
First aid kitsqty 3
Stretcher
Traffic conesqty 30
Crowd barriersqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 10
Chalkqty 4
Prizes and trophiesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 30

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 30
Cleaning sprayqty 6
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving traysqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start with the venue, permits and water manager. Confirm these approvals before inviting competitors, because a race date is not secure until the water use and safety arrangements have been accepted.
Write the safety plan before finalising the course. Mark the start and finish area, place competition buoys with anchors and mooring lines, and decide where safety boats and life rings will be positioned.
Set rules and the race schedule before processing the final participant list. Assign start numbers early enough to print race numbers and give judges, timekeepers and competitors the same information.
Plan fuel and charging as separate checks. Pick up fuel before race day, charge battery-powered equipment, and test the laptop, printer, stopwatches, microphone and walkie-talkies before competitors arrive.
Check the weather forecast again on race day, not only during the week before. Keep the spare jet ski, life jackets, helmets, wetsuits and first-aid staffing ready before the first start is announced.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a jet ski race?: Start venue, permit and water-management arrangements at least 8 to 12 weeks before the race. Send invitations and open registrations only after the main safety and location requirements are confirmed.
What safety equipment is needed for a jet ski race?: Plan life jackets and helmets for every rider, plus suitable wetsuits, life rings, safety boats and a spare jet ski. Assign safety-boat crews and first-aid staff before publishing the race schedule.
When should I create the jet ski race schedule?: Create the schedule after registrations close and the participant list is checked, usually 1 to 2 weeks before the event. Assign start numbers before printing race numbers and sharing the schedule with judges and timekeepers.
When should I check the weather for a jet ski race?: Check the forecast during the final week and again on the morning of the race. Use the latest conditions to confirm whether the course, safety plan and start time can proceed safely.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.