If you’ve ever been on a jet ski, then you know firsthand that it’s one of the most thrilling warm-weather pastimes. Feeling the cool water splash onto your arms as you skim across the waves in your local lake on a hot summer day is a sensation unlike any other! Still, it’s not all fun and games – participating in this activity can be extremely dangerous if the driver is under the influence, inexperienced, or reckless. After all, jet skis are seriously powerful vehicles that need to be driven responsibly, just like a car or a motorcycle. But unfortunately, many people forget about this and treat their jet skis like toys, which undoubtedly contributes to the hundreds of jet ski accidents that occur each year in the U.S.
As an experienced Bucks County personal injury lawyer, the Heslin Law Firm team has seen the gruesome effects of jet ski accidents, which can range from mild cuts and scrapes to serious, life-altering injuries. Here are just a few examples of what can happen as a result of a jet skiing incident:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Serious burns
- Debilitating neck and back injuries
- Concussions
- Damaged ear drums
- Death
Clearly, jet ski safety is not something to take lightly. So what can you do to limit the risks and maximize the fun of jet skiing if you choose to participate in this activity this summer? Our personal injury attorney in Bucks County has a few helpful suggestions:
- Enroll in a boating safety course that includes lessons on how jet skis work and the rules for riding one properly, even if taking such a course is not required by your state. We can’t emphasize enough how important this step is when it comes to avoiding trouble on the water!
- Once you’ve learned the ropes of safe jet skiing, it’s time to get out on the water and get some experience. For your first few runs, we recommend choosing a day when the water is calm and an area with little boat traffic. Once you’re feeling confident in your ability to operate the jet ski safely, you can advance to more crowded waterways and wavier water conditions.
- Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced jet skier, you should always wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket when you ride. Furthermore, whenever you operate the jet ski, remember that you’re required by law to have an engine shut-off cord attached to your wrist or your lifejacket. This device will keep you safe by switching off the jet ski’s engine if you fall off or flip.
- Be sure to follow the guidelines for the maximum number of people allowed on the jet ski. Never allow a passenger to sit in front of the driver, and think twice about taking small children onboard your jet ski.
- Resist the urge to push your jet ski to its limits. While doing “donuts” and going at full speed may be fun, these reckless maneuvers pose a major risk to yourself and others on the water.
When you follow these jet ski safety tips from our Bucks County personal injury attorney, you’ll prevent a jet ski accident from ruining your summer.
Trust the Heslin Law Firm When the Unexpected Happens
Just like car accidents, jet ski accidents aren’t 100% preventable – they can happen to even the most experienced and responsible drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured on a jet ski or some other type of watercraft due to the negligence of another party, you can count on our personal injury lawyer in Bucks County to help you recover the damages you are owed for lost wages, pain and suffering, hospital stays, etc.
If you’d like to schedule a no-obligation consultation with the personal injury lawyer Bucks County has trusted for three decades, call (215) 332-0300 or visit our website. And if you’re thinking of hitting the road in an RV this summer, don’t miss our post on RV driving safety. We hope that our tips will help you to avoid injuries this summer, and we urge you to contact us with any legal questions you may have.