Protect yourself and others from water sports injuries this Bank Holiday weekend

Many of us will be taking to the water this summer bank holiday weekend to enjoy a variety of Water sports. But, while Water sports are great fun, we should also take steps to keep safe; accidents can happen, often when we lose concentration just for a few seconds.

Indeed, water-related fatalities are the second leading cause of accidental death in the UK, many unsurprisingly due to drowning. 

Gary Boyd, Partner & Head of Military & Serious Sports Injury Claims at Stockport based law firm Gorvins, considers some of the key issues that you should be aware of, and look out for, so we can all enjoy the water, safely.

Surfing:

Surfing can be great fun but also incredibly dangerous. Injuries can typically include those sustained in collisions with rocks, other surfers or your own board. You can protect yourself by
– avoiding surfing conditions and locations that require ability beyond your own
– completing adequate training
– use personal protective equipment such as helmets, inflatable life-vests and protective eyewear
– use your common sense while out on the water.

Kayaking & Rafting:

Kayaking and rafting at sea or on the river is exciting, physically demanding and can be adrenaline-pumping. Because of the dangers associated with it, it’s important to protect yourself and others by:
– keeping intense concentration
– having an ability to read and predict water conditions
– maintaining a good level of stamina and physical strength.

To reduce risk of impact with rocks that could result in serious head or spinal injuries, including loss of consciousness and serious risk of drowning, you should only tackle dangerous water with
– the appropriate equipment including PPE
– the appropriate level of experience and skills, both for yourself and colleagues

Gorvins‘ Partner and head of department, Gary Boyd is a very keen kayaker and was shocked to find on a kayaking trip on the Ardeche that the firm that provided the rudimentary equipment had minimal PPE, including a lack of properly maintained helmets and no throw lines (used to recover capsized kayakers). Perhaps more amazingly, they provided kayaks (and the same lack of PPE) to those aged 7 and up.

Water-skiing:

Ankle sprains, ankle fractures, osteochondral lesions of the talus and Achilles tendon ruptures are some of the most common injuries associated with water-skiing.

Similar to surfing, water-skiing can involve substantial trauma through impact with the water, skis, boats, and rocks. Because there is a non-negligible risk of catastrophic injury or death, you should take extra care with these activities:
– prevention relies on being sensible on the water and following safety guidelines
– avoid travelling at speeds you can’t handle
– watch out for windy and choppy conditions
– don’t water-ski until you’ve had appropriate training
– ensure you use appropriate, well-maintained PPE.

Pleasure boating:

It is important only to travel with reputable, appropriately licensed companies both in the UK and abroad. These companies should provide appropriate PPE such as life jackets and other buoyancy aids.

As with any activity on the water, due diligence and proper safety protocols can protect you and your loved ones from disaster:

The cause of most injuries

The causes of accidents often include issues like the following

• Defective or poorly maintained equipment
• Lack of suitable PPE
• Inadequate training and supervision
• Negligence of other participants
• Lack of adequate safety standards and procedures on the part of organisers
• Collisions/ capsizing of boats or other craft
• Speed limits not observed
• Alcohol consumption
• Running out of fuel on powered crafts

Gorvins has successfully pursued claims for clients who have sustained injuries through water sports and boating accidents, including serious injuries to the head and spinal cord.

The personal injury team at Gorvins have the necessary experience, in-depth knowledge of water sports and necessary contacts with other professionals to successfully pursue injury claims arising out of water activities. Gary Boyd, Head of Sports Injury is himself a keen participant in water sports, particularly kayaking.

Read the full article HERE

Thanks to Gary Boyd for sharing his experiences and Expert Opinion with Marketing Stockport