Water Sport Accidents

Each year thousands of people enjoy the fun that water sport activities give them. Some are regular water goers engaging in competitive events, for others it is an enjoyable pastime, but all too often they forget the harm water sport activities can cause.

The following are some of the most common types of water sport accidents:

• Banana boat rides
• Jet skiing
• Scuba diving
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Boating accidents

Anyone in charge of a banana boat ride is responsible for their riders safety. They should ensure that all their riders are wearing a life jacket and can swim. Children should not be allowed on unless accompanied by an adult. They should be aware of anyone falling off into the water and if this happens they should turn off the engine and stop the boat immediately. Sometimes accidents happen when all procedures and safety measures are taken as was sadly what happened here.

Jet skiing is a very popular sport, but inexperienced or negligent drivers can cause many serious accidents, some even fatal. Knowledge is the best thing to have in order to prevent jet ski accidents as they happen mostly when the jet ski has been rented or borrowed. Unfamiliarity with the jet ski is a recipe for disaster. A high majority of jet ski accidents involve a collision with another vessel or person, this indicates that far too many operators are not remaining vigilant whilst out on the water. Inexperienced riders will not know the limitations of their jet ski, for example speed and stopping distance. Jet skis take considerable time and distance to come to a complete halt, even when the engine is turned off the jet ski will continue to go in the same direction as it cannot be steered when the power is off.

Most scuba diving accidents happen abroad but there are many that occur in the UK. Whether it happened in this country or abroad you may still be able to make a claim. There is serious concern amongst lifeguards and accident prevention charities regarding the number of divers allowed to hire diving equipment without having sufficient training. Divers should never even consider going diving without proper training and a good understanding of safety procedures, even on a supervised dive. Diving alone is an accident waiting to happen and should never be done. Faulty equipment, unqualified staff, negligence and bad judgement can all cause scuba diving accidents so anyone considering diving, especially when abroad should always do so with care and caution.

Canoeing in this country is popular and is an activity that is offered on many adventure courses. It is the responsibility of the people who run these courses to ensure participants are properly trained, are provided with the right clothing and equipment needed and are fully supervised whilst using the canoes. Fatal accidents can happen even when safety guidelines are followed as sadly it did in this report.

There are many types of boating accidents ranging from accidents on a lake in a small rowing boat that has been hired, to accidents on the river or canal whilst out on a barge or fishing boat. On any size of boat it is the responsibility of the owner or anyone in charge to ensure the safety of the people hiring the boat or their passengers. The vessel should be kept in good repair and the right type and amount of safety and emergency equipment should be provided. Accidents can occur at sea, on a lake, canal or river with passengers getting injured embarking, disembarking or during their journey on the vessel.

If you have suffered an injury whilst partaking in a water sport of some kind, whether for pleasure or in a competitive event you may be able to make a claim for compensation if the accident was not your fault.

Tel Precision Claims on 0844 704 1945 or complete the enquiry form and we will call you back to discuss.