Common Causes of Accidents and Injuries While Engaging in Watersport Activities
With warm waters and near-perfect temperatures for most of the year, South Florida is the perfect place to engage in many watersports. Unfortunately, some activities are more dangerous than they may appear and can lead to devastating accidents and injuries.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, we are dedicated to helping those injured while on the water in Miami and South Florida. Many accidents and injuries are preventable, caused by negligence, recklessness, or inadequate safety measures. If you were injured while engaging in a watersport, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 for a free consultation.
1. Scuba Diving
Each year, millions of people take to the waters to reach remarkable depths. While one of the most captivating adventures you can experience, scuba diving can also be one of the most dangerous. Inexperienced scuba divers can easily put themselves and others at risk of injury or death.
Recently, a 57-year-old pediatrician died while scuba diving off the Florida Keys. It was the most recent fatal diving accident after several that occurred last year. Companies that fail to adequately train scuba divers before taking them on expedition may be held liable for resulting injuries.
2. Jet Skiing
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), there were over 220 accidents involving personal watercraft (PWC) in 2020. Miami-Dade county had the most PWC accidents in the state of Florida.
Nearly half of all PWC accidents involved a collision with a vessel and were generally caused by failing to have a proper lookout or due to operator inattention. Tragically, 15 people were killed in personal watercraft accidents during 2020.
3. Surfing
Surfing is one of the most exciting activities that a person can do on the water. However, few people realize just how dangerous surfing can be. Surfing injuries can range in severity from relatively minor to life-threatening.
4. Cliff Diving
For thrill-seekers, cliff diving offers an unparalleled opportunity to plunge dozens of feet into a body of water. Cliff diving, however, can be deadly. For example, two teens were killed in almost back-to-back cliff diving accidents after jumping into inactive lime rock quarries.
5. Parasailing
Few things are more beautiful than sailing 500 feet in the air along Florida’s coast. Unfortunately, parasailing is a largely unregulated activity that can be extremely dangerous to those engaging in the watersport.
Even a small equipment failure can cause devastation. Despite the potential risks, parasailing companies are not required to engage in routine inspections of their equipment.
Injured in a Watersport Accident? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one injured in a watersport accident? Contact Mase Mebane Seitz at (305) 487-8863 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our leading maritime accident lawyers will help you understand your rights and pursue a claim against any liable parties.
We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured parties in Miami and South Florida. If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve compensation. Call our office now to speak directly with an attorney about your claim.
