Can Sharks and Crocodiles Attack Jet Ski Riders?

Have you ever wondered if you’re truly safe out there? If you’re going jet ski fishing for instance, you’re idling and stationery for hours on end.

Is there an animal lurking below looking for the opportunistic moment to launch up and rip you off your jet ski, tumble you down under the water…and have you listed as missing without a trace?

Unlikely.

Generally speaking, crocodiles and sharks don’t attack jet ski riders, even those who are anchored or are idle in the water. Very few cases have been recorded and it’s generally when the riders jump off their jet ski and into the water for a swim. For such animals, the large shape of the jet ski appears concerning, yet it’s possible that a seated rider could still be attacked.

In this guide, we’ll help you stay safer out there on the waterways.

Big Animals Attacking Jet Ski Riders

It’s both the media outlets and Hollywood that like to create ‘what if’ scenarios in our heads. The type that makes us search online for possible answers in a state of wonder late at night. We think to ourselves ‘what if I’m out there all alone and I’m ripped off my jet ski’.

Well, let me put some confidence in your mind. It’s very unlikely that this is going to happen.

Firstly – dangerous animals in the ocean aren’t all that common. Every morning, hundreds of thousands of surfers jump in the ocean yet we only hear of the odd shark attack.

Of course when we do, our comes the knee-jerk reactions from the media and governments ‘Oh the horror!’.

Secondly – you’re at the top of the food chain out there. A jet ski itself looks intimidating to any animal even if the engine is off. Chances are that they can’t really see your legs that well and it’s quite a stretch for them to launch up.

Sharks

Sharks generally don’t jump up in the air. They belong in the waterways and even then seldomly attack surfers. In most cases, it’s a case of mistaken identity as a surfer looks like a seal.

Essentially we haven’t heard of any case studies of jet ski riders or even boaters being pulled in. We think you would be more vulnerable on a stand-up jet ski anyway, especially around bull sharks in murky waters.

Crocodiles

Right – crocodiles are amphibious and exist both in the water and on land. When we’re talking about crocodiles, we’re talking the aggressive saltwater crocodiles of Australia and allegators of North America. As a result, a case could be made that jet ski riders are at risk.

We just think that risk is very low. Most crocodiles aren’t the type that launch themselves out of the water. Those that do have done this as a trained response to tour boats doing live feedings to tourists.

Falling Off Your Jet Ski

The biggest risk isn’t merely idling in one spot but falling off your jet ski. It’s in this moment of panic that you wonder if there is some sharp teeth heading your direction, with the theme music playing in your mind.

We would recommend that you take it a bit more slowly on days when there is high chop on the ocean. And if you do fall off, you’d want to be swimming back pretty quickly.

Protection Devices

You can certainly buy sonar shark deflectors these days and anti-shark wetsuits. Jet ski riders seldomly carry these especially in well-populated areas given that the risk of attack is quite low, but they’re out there for peace of mind.

You could buy one and take it with you. Should you fall off your jet ski, then you’ll be able to swim back to the rear boarding ladder without your heart beating at 200 beats per minute.

In Summary

Crocodiles and sharks are the least of your worries out there. I’m always more worried about other boaters and jet ski riders, to be honest. People are your biggest threat out there as well as the developing weather conditions. If anything, a sea snake or seal is much more likely to board your jet ski than any of these biggest animals.

I guess I trust animals much more than humans. Just be smart about where you swim and if you know there is excessive animal activity in one area, then give it a wide berth!