Water sports are a popular past time for many Floridians. The beautiful weather and clear waters surrounding the sunshine state make it the perfect location for boating and wakeboarding. Activities on the water can be very dangerous especially when safety precautions are not followed thoroughly. If you or someone you love have been injured in a wakeboarding accident, contact the Prosper Shaked today at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Wakeboarding Accident Injuries
Wakeboards are usually towed by speedboats, some of which can travel at speeds up to 90 miles per hour. People who are wakeboarding and lose their balance are at a high risk of injury because they will likely be dragged at a high rate of speed until boat operators have an opportunity to slow down. There is also always a risk of drowning for wakeboarders who hit their head or who are not rescued quickly enough after falling. Some of the most common injuries sustained during wakeboarding accidents include:
- Torn ligaments
- Broken bones and fractures
- ACL tears
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Paralysis
- Death
Treatment for wakeboarding injuries can costs victims hundreds to thousands of dollars. It is an overwhelming and stressful experience to watch medical bills pile up while you are still unable to return to work. Consulting with a skilled Miami personal injury attorney is your first step towards recovery for the injuries you have sustained.
Wakeboarding Safety Tips
- Wear a life jacket – The most important step you can take to ensure safety while wakeboarding is putting on a life jacket. If you lose your balance and fall off your wakeboard, a life jacket will help keep you afloat. This is especially important if you are knocked unconscious and are unable to treat water.
- Check your equipment – Make sure that the equipment you are using is in good condition. Check that your board does not have any protruding or sharp edges and that your rope is not frayed.
- Designate a spotter – It is crucial that you designate a person on the boat that is towing you to watch you while you are wakeboarding. This way, if you fall off your board, your spotter can immediately notify the boat operator.
- Do not wakeboard in crowded areas – Stay away from swimmers, boaters, docks, and other water vessels. The more crowded an area is, the more likely you are to hit another person or object which could cause serious injuries.
- Never ride at dusk or nighttime – It is harder to see objects in the water as it gets dark, and if you fall off your wakeboard it will be more difficult for your boat operator to find you.
- Let go of the rope – When you fall, immediately let go of the rope. This seems strange, but there are more risks for injuries when you are being dragged while not in the upright position. Boats don’t stop on a dime, and your best method to avoid injury is to let go.
- Do not wakeboard while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – This should be a no-brainer, but nevertheless do not wakeboard if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. These types of substances impair your judgment and affect coordination putting you at further risk for injury.
- Keep your boat stocked with drinking water and a first aid kit – When participating in water sports, it is critical that you remain hydrated. If you sustain any minor cuts or abrasions while riding, a first aid kit will come in handy to stop any bleeding from occurring.
- Do not wakeboard in rough waters or inclement weather conditions – Wakeboarding in rainy conditions can put you at risk for electrocution if you are struck my lightening. Additionally, rough waters put you at risk for more falls and ultimately for drowning.
- Use hand signals – Using hand signals to communicate with your spotter and the boat operator will ensure that the boat does not move until you are ready to start wakeboarding. If you want the boat to stop for any reason, a hand single that everyone is familiar with will ensure that the boat is stopped in a safe manner until you are ready to wakeboard again.
Miami Wakeboarding Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries from a wakeboarding accident, you may be entitled to damages. Negligent boat operators need to be held accountable for their actions, and retaining the services of a skilled Miami boating accident lawyer can help you receive the just compensation you deserve. To speak to a Miami wakeboarding accident lawyer you can trust, call Prosper Shaked today at (305) 694-2676 and schedule a free and confidential consultation.