Water sport accidents

In 2020 there were 242 recorded deaths in the UK caused by accidents involving water. This includes activities such as swimming, boating, windsurfing, and rescuing animals.   Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional death.   Nonfatal water accidents can still have serious and lifelong consequences on the victim.   Water sports accidents are potentially very hazardous environments.

TYPES OF WATER SPORTS

• Jet skiing
• Canoeing
• Scuba diving
• Rowing
• Boating
• Windsurfing
• Parasailing
• Snorkeling
• Kitesurfing

These are all some of the types of water sports where accidents could occur.   Leisure companies and tour operators arranging trips including boats and water sports are legally obliged to guarantee the safety of customers. In the event that they neglect the wellbeing and security strategies and this causes an accident, they could be held liable for any wounds maintained and need to pay compensation.  

Accidents often happen due to negligence such as:  

• A lack of signage
• Inadequate training in using equipment
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Operators not providing proper protective equipment- such as life jackets
• Lack of supervision
• Negligence of other participants
• Collisions

Types of injuries

  Some of the common injuries that occur during water sports include, but are not limited to:  

• Slips, trips and falls from spillages on deck
• Head injuries from falls and collisions
• Soft tissue damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Sprains and strains

  Call our experts today for a no-obligation discussion to find out if you have a potential water sports accident claim.

What to do after a water sports accident?

• Report the incident to the activity centre, or your tour guide so they can make an official record of it in their accident book. Check the accident book and how the accident is recorded before you sign a copy.
• Obtain details of any members of staff to who you reported the accident/incident to.
• Collect evidence of what has happened by taking photos of the scene, and any broken gear
• Get the details of any witnesses to the accident.
• Evidence of a deficiency of income if your injury has resulted in you requiring time off work. Documents related to other financial expenditures connected to your injuries may be required. This could include travel receipts to and from medical appointments.
• Details of relevant insurance policies you have.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible/emergency treatment.