Water activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, and jet-skiing are popular leisure activities for individuals and families. These activities not only provide a fun and exciting way to spend time in the water but also offer some health benefits.

However, with all water activities, there is always a risk of injury. If an individual suffers an injury while participating in a water activity, they may wonder whether they are entitled to compensation for their injuries.

What are some common water activity injuries?

There are several types of injuries that can occur while participating in water activities, including:.

Drowning and near-drowning
Head trauma and concussion
Burns from boat or jet-ski engines
Spinal cord injuries from diving
Lacerations from swimming pool equipment
Electric shock from faulty pool wiring

How do water activity injuries occur?

The causes of water activity injuries can vary depending on the type of activity:.

Swimming injuries may result from unsafe diving, jumping, and diving board use, as well as inadequate lifeguard supervision
Surfing injuries may occur when surfers collide with other surfers, rocks or the ocean floor
Boating injuries can happen from boating collisions, collisions with other watercraft, or from coming into contact with the boat’s propeller
Jet-skiing injuries can occur when riders collide with other riders or objects, or when riders fail to follow safe jet-ski practices and guidelines

When can an individual seek compensation?

An individual may seek compensation for their water activity injury if:.

The injury was caused by the negligence of another individual or entity
The injury occurred on property that was not maintained or operated in a safe manner
The injury occurred due to a lack of proper safety equipment or instruction
The injury occurred due to a defective product or equipment

What types of compensation are available for water activity injuries?

If an individual suffers a water activity injury, they may be entitled to the following types of compensation:.

Medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and medication costs
Lost wages and income, including future earning capacity
Pain and suffering, which includes physical and emotional pain or trauma
Property damage, which includes damage to personal property such as a boat or jet-ski

How can an individual prove negligence?

In order to prove negligence, an individual must show that:.

The defendant had a duty to act safely and responsibly
The defendant failed to uphold that duty
The defendant’s failure to uphold their duty caused the plaintiff’s injury and subsequent damages

What should an individual do if they are injured while participating in a water activity?

If an individual suffers an injury while participating in a water activity, they should take the following steps:.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor
Document the scene of the accident by taking photos or videos, if possible
Collect contact information from any witnesses
Report the injury to the appropriate authorities or property owner, if applicable
Consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the potential for compensation

Conclusion

While water activities provide a fun and exciting way to spend time in the water, injuries can and do occur. Depending on the circumstances of the injury, an individual may be entitled to compensation for their damages.

To ensure that their legal rights are protected, anyone who suffers a water activity injury should seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer.