Injuries from boating accidents can range from mild to deadly. Additionally, just like with any other accident, they may take hours, days, or even weeks to manifest. The most common injuries sustained in boating accidents include:
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) when a victim is struck in the head.
Brain injuries from oxygen deprivation when a victim falls in the water.
Carbon monoxide poisoning from damaged engine fumes.
Spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and whiplash.
Electrocution from exposed wires coming in contact with wet surfaces.
Bruises, lacerations, and broken bones.
Drowning
Some injuries, such as drowning and oxygen deprivation, can be prevented when individuals wear a life jacket while out on the water. Doing so can also help prevent other injuries, such as those sustained when there is a secondary impact when the victim is in the water.
Florida offers a boating safety certification course that can give you the training you need to survive or save someone else’s life after a boating accident.