Yes, it's dangerous. No denying that. And, I agree about those on the pontoon boat. I wouldn't be there either. But, the speedboats are further away from the pontoon boat than it appears. These boats have accelerator pedals, called a Hotfoot, and if the driver loses control the very strong spring on it returns it to idle in a second. Also have kill switches that kill the motor if the driver is thrown out of his seat.
It's all about taking calculated risks. These drivers obsess over tiny details with equipment, water conditions, and especially wind. Ever think about how close you come to death on a two lane highway meeting trucks with only 6' of distance between you and them? One careless second of inattention and its a head-on. You can control only half of the risk involved there.
