Watercraft Injuries - Youth at Highest Risk
Summertime for many means family vacations and leisure activities. This includes the use of watercrafts, which can be quite enjoyable provided they are used appropriately. Risky behavior on these crafts, such as Jet skis and Waverunners, can be quite dangerous with potentially serious results. United Spinal Association offers safety measures and ways to avoid injuries when using personal watercrafts.
According to the US Coast Guard, 25% of all boating accidents involve such devices and the majority of accidents occur in youths and teens. According to the Coalition of Parents and Families for Personal Watercraft Safety, in 2002 statistics indicated 17 and 18 year olds had the highest injury rates.
The University of Florida reported that injuries unique to personal watercraft include: closed head trauma, spinal cord injuries and trauma to chest and abdomen (internal).
“Injuries are usually caused by roll-overs, side-swipe collisions, or head-on collisions,” said Victor Calise, Director of Sports Marketing for United Spinal Association. “ With approximately quarter of a million people in the United States with a spinal cord injury, our goal is to help educate the public so that some of these types of injuries can be avoided.”
United Spinal Association, a national organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord disorders, offers tips on personal watercraft safety:
- Wear safety equipment, including a life jacket, eye protection, a wet suit, gloves, proper shoes, and a helmet. Make sure everything fits properly and always operate your personal watercraft with the safety lanyard attached to you.
- “Be alert of other watercrafts and be cautious of the terrain around you,” said Mr. Calise. “And, never operate your personal watercraft while intoxicated or taking medication.”
- Don’t operate your personal watercraft at night.
- Never stand up on your personal watercraft or maneuver it through another watercraft’s wake. Also, avoid sudden sharp turns and excessively high rates of speed.
- If you are a passenger, always hold on tight and alert the driver if you are in danger.
- Never operate your personal watercraft in water that’s less than 2 feet deep.
“Make sure to read your personal watercraft owner’s manual, and know your state laws regarding personal watercraft usage,” said Mr. Calise.
United Spinal Association offers free publications on line, including Stay Safe, which provides information and advice for your children on how to avoid injuries.