Final answer:
Letting go of the throttle control on a PWC will cause the watercraft to decelerate and come to a stop, as thrust is required for both movement and steering. Steering capability is lost without propulsion, making it important to maintain control of the PWC at all times for safety reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you let go of the throttle control on a Personal Watercraft (PWC), the jet propulsion system that provides the thrust to move the watercraft will cease to push water through the jet nozzle. Without the propulsion of water, the PWC will gradually decelerate and come to a stop. Most modern PWC designs have incorporated a form of idling, so the engine itself does not immediately shut off, but the lack of thrust will result in loss of speed and eventually the watercraft will drift.
It's important for safety to maintain control of the PWC at all times. Letting go of the throttle abruptly can result in loss of steering because steering capability on a PWC is linked to the propulsion. No propulsion means no steering, which can be dangerous especially if avoiding obstacles or managing through busy waters. It's critical for users to be familiar with how their particular model of PWC operates, as different models and makes can react differently to the throttle being released.