...Jet skis and other personal watercraft (click here) also offer plenty of fun during summer months. However, as designed many jet skis and personal watercraft have inherent flaws which can lead to serious injuries and death. Many jet skis are grossly overpowered and often come to be out-of-control in the hands of inexperienced or younger riders. This creates risks not only for the users, but for those in the area. The problem is further exasperated if the jet ski does not automatically deactivate. Another concern with many jet-propelled watercraft is the water propulsion system itself. When users are thrown from or fall off such jet skis, the water from the jet propulsion system can cause severe orifice and internal damage....
According to the Coast Guard the number one accident types is collision with another vehicle and personal watercraft, such as jet skies ranks second in causing deaths right behind open motorboats. In 2011, personal watercraft caused 44 deaths including 18 drownings and 764 injuries. (click title to entry - thank you)
Eighty-two (82) of deaths are caused by vessels less than 16 feet in length. The greatest number of deaths are between the ages of 36 to 55 with greater than 55 coming in second. Oddly enough overconfidence can cause greater numbers of death. The greatest number of deaths in this group have 101 to 500 hours of experience. The largest number of deaths occur with one person on the vehicle, with two persons on board having the second highest number of deaths. Personal watercraft causes 41% of all deaths.
Accident, casualty and damage, including property damage resulted annually is $52,198,658.
Personal watercraft cause (these are ranked by frequency) broken bone(s), bruise, lacerations, sprain, concussion, internal organ injury, dislocation, spinal cord injury, shock, amputation(s), burns and hypothermia. Due to the fact these watercraft are open air there is no carbon monoxide concerns.
Alcohol contributes to 16 percent of all deaths and 8 percent of all injuries. Seriously, alcohol causes twice as many deaths than injuries. Alcohol is not the primary reason for these incidents, though. Drug use is virtually non-existent in the statistics. The leading reason for danger is 'improper lookout.'
Improper Lookout is defined by the USA Coast Guard as: "Just as an operator must pay attention, it is also imperative to keep a proper lookout." In other words, a personal watercraft operator has to pay attention to where the vehicle is steered and what is in the water ahead of the path. The problem with these vehicles, similarly with snowmobiles, the speed over takes the operators ability to maintain good lookout. The machine has more capacity for movement than the operator's ability to keep up with that capacity.
Have a safe holiday. People tend to mimic what their leadership does. Please be careful when boating. The best enjoyment of a holiday are memories and returning home safe and sound to talk about it with friends and family. No one needs a thrill a second. All anyone needs fun.
