Water sports are a much-loved part of summer and vacations, but they can also be quite dangerous. In fact, some of the most popular water sports are also the ones that lead to the most injuries. More than 2,500 people were hurt in water sports accidents last year, and the number only continues to increase. 

Cliff Diving

This popular sport requires nothing more than a high cliff and a body of water. However, it can be a dangerous way to enjoy a thrill. Depending on the configuration of the cliff and the height of the fall, this sport can lead to broken bones, dislocated joints, spinal injuries, paralysis, and even death. 

Some people are hurt when they land on rocks below the cliff instead of in the water. Others are injured when they fail to judge the depth of the water and drown. Still, others may hit their heads on the way down, lose consciousness, and drown. 

Cavern Diving

This sport takes people into deep, dark caverns to explore a secret underwater world. Divers use SCUBA tanks and suits to keep safe. However, the danger lies in the narrow passageways and dark, twisting turns. The buildup of dust, sediment, and silt can decrease visibility and make it hard for divers to see the path forward. 

Additionally, poorly trained guides may not know how to react in an emergency. It is vital for divers to have adequate oxygen while exploring this environment as low ceilings can make it take longer than anticipated to return to the surface if obstructions get in the way. Some cavern divers die trying to navigate through these dangerous pathways. 

Whitewater Rafting

Being whipped around rapids, tossed amongst the waves, and knocked by wind might be your idea of a good time if you’re a fan of whitewater rafting. This form of rafting is an extreme sport, taking rafters into the most turbulent waters for a once in a lifetime experience. 

Whitewater rafting is dangerous because the violent waters can toss riders from the kayak, causing injury or even drowning. The activity also requires a high level of exertion. Because of this, people with heart conditions or difficulty breathing may find this activity dangerous. 

Water Skiing

Being pulled behind a fast-moving boat can be fun, but it can also be quite dangerous. Hundreds of waterskiers are injured each year when they fall from the jet ski, collide with other boats, or get hurt by the wake of other boats. The most common injuries to water skiers are fractures, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injury. Some water skiers even died when they collided with other vehicles. 

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is similar to water skiing, but with wakeboarding, the rider using a snowboard-like board to ride the waves while being pulled by a boat. As you can imagine, this sport contains many of the same hazards as water skiing. 

This sport is dangerous because the wakeboarder must maintain their balance while being pulled behind a swerving and swaying boat. The most common wakeboarding injuries are leg and spine injuries. In addition, riders can be thrown off and hit by other watercraft. 

If you have been injured while enjoying your favorite activity on the water, you may be eligible for a water sports accident claim. There are many people who may be at fault for your accident. The boat operator, other boaters, and the rafting company may have failed to operate in a safe manner. 

If you were injured, you may be out of work or be stuck with expensive hospital bills. Don’t struggle alone.  Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your options for receiving compensation.

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