Water Sports Accident Compensation

While people prefer to relax on holiday by sunbathing and reading a good book, others seek greater thrills, and water sports during summer breaks are particularly popular among the young. Water sports can, however, be dangerous activities, and hotels, resorts and other water sports providers need to take all possible measures to minimise the risk of accidents.

Defective Equipment and Lack of Supervision

Scuba diving, water skiing and jet skiing are examples of sports that require expert instruction and careful supervision. Were breathing equipment to malfunction while deep underwater, for example the consequences could be very serious for the diver. Similarly, a worn or defective water ski could break causing a high speed accident and heavy impact collision. Many water sports accidents result from people lacking information, knowledge or experience in how to use equipment safely, and this is often the fault of the providers of the equipment or those supervising the water sports activity.

Jet Ski Accidents

Jet skis pose a significant risk to swimmers, particularly if they are being used close to the shoreline, and jet ski riders are obliged by law to take special care in such areas. Lack of visibility is a common cause of jet ski accidents, when the rider simply does not see a swimmer in their path.

Other accidents are the result of riders using their jet skis irresponsibly, either using excessive speed or failing to pay attention to others in the water. Those renting out jet skis at seaside resorts and lakes need to make sure that their equipment is in good working order, and that customers are properly instructed in and capable of using the personal watercraft (PWC).

Responsibilities of Water Sports Providers

Hotels and resorts, both in the UK and abroad, are legally obliged to make sure that all water sports equipment provided to guests is good quality, well maintained and suitable for a particular purpose and individual. This is especially important where children are concerned, as they are more naturally prone to accidents and injuries.

Proper instruction must be given in certain water sports activities, while a sufficient number of staff need to be on duty to ensure that safety rules are implemented and observed. Instructors must be properly qualified and capable of maintaining safety rules and standards during their lessons.

Water Sports Accidents on Foreign Holidays

The 1992 Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tour Regulations offers protection to holidaymakers who have booked an ‘inclusive’ or package holiday from a UK travel company. The tour operator or travel agent is essentially responsible under UK law for the conduct of their representatives overseas. Both management and staff at foreign resorts owe a duty of care to ensure the safety of their visitors as far as possible, and must not expose them to unacceptable risks. Water sports accidents on holiday are particularly common involving children, and are often traumatic experiences for everyone concerned.

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