When you live close to water, chances are you have enjoyed boating at one time or another. With boating being a great way to enjoy recreation, you still need to be as safe as possible while on the water so that injuries can be avoided. When an injury occurs during boating, it will likely take place during an emergency such as a collision, capsize, or man overboard. If you enjoy the pleasure of boating, it’s important to take precautions and be on the lookout for any of the most common boating injuries to occur.
1. Drowning
As far as common boating injuries are concerned, drowning almost always happens. Although resuscitation could take place following a drowning, the experience itself could be scary. In order for drowning to be prevented, it is important that a life jacket is worn while on the boat.
2. Broken Bones
When a boating accident takes place and you end up getting tossed around, you may obtain a broken bone if your limbs are hit hard against items or corners. In order to prevent any possible broken bones, everything should be tied down that could fly and hit you.
3. Brain Injury
When a head injury occurs while boating it will likely be from slamming it hard against items. A few of the related head injuries that could occur include brain hemorrhage and a concussion. In order to prevent a brain injury it is important to be prepared and to be thoroughly familiar with your boat and all of its parts.
4. Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries could take place from any type of injury and usually involves bruising of the soft tissue, strains, and sprains. These injuries are usually a result of a body being contorted in an abnormal manner and/or twisting. In order for this type of injury to be prevented, you should wear proper shoes and other protective clothing that can alleviate any hard hits.
5. Amputations
If a boating accident occurs and sharp objects start flying around, they could cause amputations. An amputation could also take place if a man overboard occurs and they are close to the propeller. In order to prevent an amputation following a man overboard, the engines need to be immediately cut-off as soon as it is known that a person has fallen into the water.
6. Spine Injury
If you are planning to jump into the water from the deck of the boat, then you need to be sure to do it feet first. This is especially important if you have no idea how shallow the water is or what structures lie below the water surface. For spine injury to be prevented, be sure that you know how deep the water is and that you jump in feet first.
When you or a loved one has sustained a boating injury that could have been prevented, you need to get immediate medical attention. It is also important to have proper boating safety education so that you know what to do in the event of a boating accident. Because boating comes with risks, it’s important to make sure your boat is properly insured.