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Letting off the throttle control can indeed cause the loss of steering ability in a personal watercraft (PWC). When operating a PWC, the steering is directly linked to the forward momentum created by the throttle. If you reduce or completely let off the throttle, the water jet propulsion system that provides steering becomes less effective, which can lead to a lack of control in steering.

Essentially, when the throttle is released, the PWC slows down, and the water flowing through the jet is insufficient to maintain directional control. As a result, the operator may experience difficulty maneuvering and could potentially drift off course or be unable to make turns effectively until speed is regained.

Conversely, increasing the throttle suddenly can boost maneuverability, while sharp steering is a normal operation method that can help maintain control. Riding with too many passengers may affect the PWC's weight distribution but does not inherently lead to a loss of steering ability like letting off the throttle does.