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Hundreds, if not thousands of people take to the waves every day throughout the state of Florida and many other states across the nation. Some individuals choose to enjoy the water while relaxing on a large cruise ship, while others choose to get more up-close and personal with the water on personal watercrafts, like wave runners and jet skis.  Fort Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey knows that individuals who ride jet skis and wave runners sometimes get into accidents, and those accidents can lead to "catastrophic injuries and even death." That said, a recent jet ski accident that took place in Lake County has highlighted the need for individuals to keep water safety in mind at all times.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently reported that three people were hurt when two watercrafts collided while traveling on Lake Griffin. The individuals sustained a variety of injuries, to include abrasions, lower back pain, a potential fractured hip and a concussion. An FWC spokesman noted that the individuals did practice one of the primary safety precautions--they all had on life jackets. Still, state officials have stated that this most recent accident has brought about the need for another discussion about water safety.

The Good and Bad About Jet Skis and Other Watercraft

As your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer knows, jet skis and other personal watercraft are quite common to see on the waterways in Florida and elsewhere, but along with their popularity comes the potential for accidents. As a matter of fact, University of Florida researchers have found that jet ski accidents tend to cause more injuries than other kinds of boating accidents.  In all actuality, though, jet skis are no more dangerous than any other watercraft, but the way in which individuals choose to operate them is what leads to many water-related incidents.

Jet skis can be a means of fun and enjoyment when they are used in a safe manner. However, some operators are not familiar with the proper use of the watercraft or they are simply so inexperienced that they can cause accidents and injuries based on their lack of skill and knowledge. Two of the more common factors that lead to jet ski accidents include speeding and improper technique usage when operating the watercraft, particularly with respect to operating the throttle.

Staying Safe

There are a number of things that personal watercraft operators should do to stay safe while on the water. First and foremost, all operators should take the time to know and learn the state regulations with respect to jet skies and other watercraft. Additionally, operators should know their watercrafts. If necessary, operators should review their owner's manuals to ensure they fully appreciate all the functions and controls, and when possible, take a lesson or two to learn proper usage. The FWC has recommended that all boaters and operators of watercraft enroll in safety courses, despite the fact that such courses are only required for individuals born on or after January 1, 1988.  Also, individuals should always wear appropriate and proper safety equipment at all times.

If you or someone you love has sustained injuries due to a jet ski crash or any other type of personal watercraft accident, contact a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. right away.