Located in a beautiful marina near downtown San Diego, just steps from hotels like the Hilton, Sheraton, and Hyatt and minutes from the airport, Jet-Ski San Diego has quickly become the city’s highest-rated jet-ski rental company. Behind this success is owner John Givens, a seasoned water-sports professional who has been riding jet-skis since the 1970s and managing operations for more than a decade.
After 11 years of running rental fleets for other operators, John decided to launch his own business earlier this year. His experience, professionalism, and passion for safety and customer service have paid off. In just one season, Jet-Ski San Diego has earned nearly 1,000 five-star reviews, an impressive feat that reflects the company’s focus on excellence both on and off the water. make sure every renter enjoyed their experience while respecting the city’s carefully managed waterways.
The Challenge: Safety and Awareness on the Water
Running a fleet of high-performance Yamaha WaveRunners in a busy bay requires both skill and situational awareness. Riders occasionally get turned around in the harbor or drift into restricted areas, and there is always a small but serious risk of a capsize.
“For us, safety is everything,” John explains. “We want our guests to have fun, but we also need to know where they are and whether they are okay at all times.”
The Solution: WAIV GPS Tracking with Built-In Capsize Detection
When John purchased a new fleet of twelve Yamaha WaveRunners for his launch, choosing WAIV as the tracking solution was an easy decision. He had already used WAIV devices successfully in his previous roles and knew how well they worked for jet-ski rental operations.
WAIV’s patented capsize detection system uses built-in motion sensors that can identify when a jet-ski is upside down in the water. The moment this happens, the system sends an instant text alert to rental staff, allowing them to respond immediately.
“Knowing if a jet-ski has flipped is really important,” John says. “It lets us be ready to assist the customer if they need help, and it helps us prevent costly damage.”
If a jet-ski remains upside down for too long, water can enter the engine cavity, creating repair costs that can easily exceed several thousand dollars. John recalls a past incident at another company where a capsized jet-ski was towed back upside down, causing over $3,000 in damage.
“With WAIV’s capsize alerts, we can avoid situations like that,” he says. “We know right away if something happens and can react before it becomes a problem.”
Real-Time Location Tracking and Peace of Mind
Beyond the capsize detection, WAIV gives John and his team the ability to see every jet-ski on the water in real time, all from a mobile phone or tablet. This feature has proven invaluable when renters lose their sense of direction or struggle to find their way back.
“Often renters get lost and call asking for directions,” John explains. “Now we can see exactly where they are and guide them back safely. It gives peace of mind both for us and for the renter.”
Results: Fewer Incidents and Happier Riders
WAIV’s tracking system has helped Jet-Ski San Diego reduce downtime, prevent damage, and deliver a safer, smoother experience for everyone on the water. With immediate alerts, accurate tracking, and easy mobile access, John and his team can focus on what matters most—making sure every rider enjoys their adventure and returns safely.
“Our goal is to make sure people have fun and stay safe,” John says. “WAIV helps us do exactly that.”
“We have worked with WAIV throughout this season and we are extremely happy with it,” says Reda. “It is a great system that simply works.”
Click below to watch the video with Johm and Jet-Ski San Diego.
