The operator of Jet Ski Hits Two in Water
On May 2, 2020, Jonathan Liggett and his 8-year-old daughter, Madison, were in the water at Dog River in Mobile, Alabama, waiting to wakeboard when a speeding jet ski started coming directly toward them. They tried to yell at the operator of the jet ski, and Jonathan held his wakeboard in the air to avoid being hit but to no avail. Jonathan quickly pushed his daughter underwater in an attempt to prevent life-threatening injuries. Madison still sustained a fractured right hand, lacerations to her face, right hand, and left elbow as well as several bruises all over her body. Jonathan suffered injuries to his hands and knee. Both were wearing life jackets in the water.
A Frightening Event to Witness
Madison’s mother, Leslie Liggett, was in their boat and witnessed the entire event. She states it was the scariest moment of her life, hearing her daughter scream and seeing a jet ski run directly over Jonathan and Madison. At that moment, she thought she had lost her husband and daughter. Leslie believes the operator and passenger of the jet ski were teenagers. In an interview with Mobile, AL local news, she has spoken on the importance of personal watercraft safety, especially in areas with people in the water.
The Dangers of Jet Skis
Jet skis are among the personal watercraft (PWC) that are easy to operate and are fast and powerful. They continue to rise in popularity and are unfortunately involved in many boating accidents. Here are some of the leading causes of jet ski accidents:
- Speeding. Although some jet skis have brakes, most do not. For the operator of a brakeless jet ski to slow down, they only have the option of releasing the throttle.
- When the throttle is not applied, the jet ski cannot be steered.
- Inexperienced riders simply do not know how to avoid potential obstacles when the throttle is released, and they are unable to steer.
- Operators not paying attention. There may not be designated lanes on the water, but increased awareness is necessary when operating a jet ski to avoid colliding with watercraft, swimmers, wildlife, trees, and other objects that may be in the water.
- Operators driving under the influence.
- Failure to wear proper safety gear. Even good swimmers should wear life jackets when operating or riding on PWC. According to the California Division of Boating and Waterways, 57% of personal watercraft accidents involved borrowed watercraft vessels, and another 37% had rented equipment. If the operators would have taken the time to read the PWC’s owner’s manual, it may have lessened the chances of these accidents occurring. Proper safety literature is not always provided to borrowers and renters the way PWC dealers provide these critical resources to their customers.
Jet Ski Safety Courses
The California Division of Boating and Waterways offers a free online personal watercraft course on their website. Aquatic centers are also a terrific resource for personal watercraft operation safety education.
Watch YouTube Video: PWIA: Personal Watercraft Safety. The video below provides some essential safety tips while riding your jet ski in the water.
Sacramento Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Jet Ski Accident Lawyer. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident involving a jet ski or other personal watercraft, call me for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
We are members of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
See our client reviews on Google, Yelp, and AVVO and our past verdicts and settlements.
Photo by Steve Donoghue on Unsplash
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