Hundreds of personal watercraft entered New York Harbor on June 28, 2025, for the annual NYC Jet Ski Invasion. Riders gathered near the Pepsi-Cola sign on the East River, traveled toward Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty, and continued north on the Hudson River, creating an unusually dense procession across waterways shared with ferries, commercial vessels, and recreational traffic.
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YouTube: The 2025 NYC Jet Ski Invasion
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What to Know
A Maritime Notice Estimated 300 Craft
A Coast Guard notice advised mariners to expect approximately 300 personal watercraft and support vessels between noon and 2 p.m. The alert identified the gathering area near the Pepsi-Cola sign and the route through the East River and northbound Hudson.
Law Enforcement Increased Its Presence
Coast Guard crews enforced a security zone and supported vessel-traffic management alongside local law-enforcement partners. The official notice asked other mariners to maintain awareness and report unsafe conditions during the procession.
New York Sets Specific PWC Rules
Personal-watercraft operators in New York must be at least 14, complete an approved boating-safety course, and wear an appropriate Coast Guard-approved life jacket. State law also prohibits operation between sunset and sunrise and requires reasonable, prudent navigation.
The Route Put Scale on Display
From the East River, the formation passed the southern end of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty before entering the Hudson. Its concentration made the event visible from waterfront parks, ferries, bridges, and buildings along both rivers.
Recreation Shared a Working Harbor
The gathering demonstrated the appeal of personal watercraft while underscoring the need for coordination in waters used by ferries, cargo vessels, tour boats, paddlers, and emergency services. The Coast Guard's official public record documents its safety role during the event.