Staying Safe in the Sun: Stand Up Paddleboarding
If injured in a paddleboarding accident, contact us today!
There is always something new and fun in the Florida sun! Stand Up Paddleboarding is a relatively new activity offered along Florida’s beaches – a hybrid of surfing and kayaking that offers a total body workout. Like any new activity, it has left excitement – and, unfortunately, quite a few injuries — in its wake.
For those residents and visitors who may be psyched to try it out, we offer these tips for safe Stand Up Paddleboarding:
1. Be a competent swimmer. You’ll be around deep water, so being familiar with staying afloat, even in high-stress situations, is key. Safety courses are always a good idea..
2. Be aware of ocean hazards, such as winds, tides, and terrain. Always check weather reports before going out, and know the signs of approaching danger.
3. Be familiar with local rules and regulations. In some areas, paddleboards are considered vessels, and as such require users to wear personal floatation devices.
4. Be defensive about your space. Avoid other boats and swimmers.
5. Be true to your level of experience. No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, your skill at paddleboarding will take practice. Spend the time practicing the skills of turning and stopping in smooth water before you venture into more difficult areas and moves.
Have fun out there – but be safe! If you’ve been injured in a Stand Up Paddleboarding accident, contact an experienced accident attorney. The Tampa law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is available for a free consultation today.
If you have been injured while jet skiing, contact us now!
While many residents and visitors come to Florida’s beaches to chill in the sun, others come with a need for speed! Many activities fill the Florida coast, each with a different level of thrill and chill. If you have the funds, renting a jet-ski can add a lot of adventure to a day, but due to the speed, it can also ratchet up the danger.
The only prerequisites required to rent a jet-ski are a signed waiver and maybe a few minutes of instructional safety. Because jet-ski rental businesses are so common, signing the waiver can work to effectively protect the owner (and even the manufacturer) from any injury that the rider receives.
Common causes of jet-ski injuries include falling at high speed, colliding with stationary objects or other jet-skis, and equipment or operator failure. In the case of rider negligence, the rider has no basis to seek damages. However, third parties are not protected by the waiver, and in some cases, the rider may be able to seek damages despite the waiver. For example, faulty equipment is one of the factors that can show negligence on the part of the manufacturer or rental company.
The best key to staying safe while jet-skiing is to find a reputable rental company that shows clear care in the maintenance and operation of its equipment. Don’t be afraid to ask about maintenance practices, either.
If you have been injured in a jet-ski accident, you may at first assume that the waiver is insurmountable. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced accident lawyer today to discuss the language of your particular waiver. The Tampa law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is available for a consultation today.
Injured while snorkeling? Contact us today for a consultation.
Florida’s beaches are a gift of nature to its residents and the many tourists we gladly welcome everyday. Many activities fill the Florida coast, each with a different level of thrill and chill. Snorkeling is a common beach pastime that allows you to get up close and personal with the stunning marine life living along our coastline. But snorkeling also leads to hundreds of injuries every year in Florida alone.
The leading causes of snorkeling accidents include harsh water conditions, boats, and faulty equipment. Though snorkeling doesn’t have the potential dangers of SCUBA diving, snorkeling is also much less regulated and as such, participants often have minimal training and education. Tourists are allowed to rent equipment without any sort of instruction, and often can be out in deep water before they realize they are using the equipment improperly—or that the equipment was faulty to begin with.
These novice swimmers are also often unaware of how quickly ocean conditions can change. Kicking around in the shallow area can too quickly turn into struggling against a strong current, and those rental fins aren’t enough to get the swimmer to safety. Finally, snorkeling without proper observation (a buddy system of sorts) can result in entering treacherous areas, such as boating lanes, unaware of the danger. Snorkelers are tough to see, and can very easily be hit by a boat captain who isn’t completely observant.
We want all of our residents and tourists to be safe and protected! If you’ve been injured in a snorkeling accident, contact an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney. The Tampa law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is available for a free consultation today.
If you have been injured in a parasailing accident, contact us today!
Whether the ocean is a part of your day to day life or the destination of a much-needed vacation, relaxing on the sand is often only the beginning of a fulfilling adventure. Many activities fill the Florida coast, each with a different level of thrill and chill. Parasailing may be a good fit for the adventurer—but make sure you know the risks.
Until recently, parasailing was a largely unregulated activity without any guidelines regarding training for operations, inspection of equipment, or restrictions during weather conditions. Since this activity involves participants suspended hundreds of feet over the surface of the water, it has a high risk factor, even when it is regulated. After a number of tragedies resulted from circumstances such as compromised towlines, incompetent operators, and strong winds, Florida lawmakers passed laws to enhance the safety of this high-risk thrill.
If you’re thinking about parasailing during your beach retreat, here are a few lawful safety tips. First, make sure that there is someone other than the operator of the boat to watch the person being towed. Second, avoid parasailing during unsafe weather conditions, including high wind speeds, or between half an hour after sunset or half an hour before sunrise. Third, always wear your life jacket, no matter which part of the parasailing crew you are.
If you’ve been injured in a parasailing accident, contact an experienced Tampa accident attorney. The Tampa law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is available for a free consultation today.
