
During the warm months of the year, many individuals in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations are outdoors enjoying water recreational activities including fishing, boating and swimming. Sadly there are many serious accidents causing injuries at a lake, rivers, ponds and the ocean in Rhode Island
If you were injured in an accident in Rhode Island then it is crucial that you retain a Rhode Island personal injury attorney who is also a RI premises liability lawyer.
Common lake accidents in RI
Even though these activities are enjoyable, every individual is at risk of suffering a submersion injury or death. Although drownings and water-related injuries are common occurrences in neighborhood backyards and community pools, water accidents are also a significant problem in natural environments. The most common injuries that happen at lakes, ponds and rivers are listed below. They include:
• #1. Submersion Injury – Any individual who is submerged underwater for five minutes or less has a high incident rate of survival compared to those underwater for extended periods of time. However, submersion injuries can cause lifelong debilitation when it involves damage to the lungs, heart or brain.
• #2. Diving-Associated Injury – Diving in waters along the river’s edge, in ponds and in shallow waters of the lake can cause significant injuries to the head and spinal column. Many diving accidents leave the injured party permanently disabled and suffering from paraplegia (paralysis below the waist) or quadriplegia (near to total paralysis from the neck down).
• #3. Traumatic Brain Injury – Hitting the head along the bottom of the lake, river or pond when diving or swimming can cause significant traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These types of injuries are more prevalent in natural environments in Rhode Island because unlike swimming pools there are usually no indicators of how deep the water is in that area.
• #4. Boating Accident Injuries – Being involved in a Coventry, Barrington or Bristol boating accident can cause serious life-threatening injuries. Many boating accidents in Rhode Island involve vessels colliding together, vessels hitting a swimmer in the water, passengers falling off the boat or slipping and falling on the vessel when it rocks or rocks in the wake of a passing boat.
• #5. Burns – Many overnight and day campers suffer serious burns from campfires. Often times, the burns become extensive wounds because of the amount of time it takes to travel to get immediate medical attention.
• #6. Slip and Fall Injuries – Individuals enjoying the outdoors around open waters are subject to slip-related injuries along the slippery shorelines of lakes, ponds and rivers. Slip or trips can also occur on the deck of the moving or rocking motorboat or sailboat.
• #7. Injury by Assault – Many outdoor areas lack sufficient security, exposing day and night campers who are enjoying time at the lakeside, riverside or at a pond in the community. These types of assaults are usually caused by criminal activity where the victim suffers serious life-threatening injuries or wrongful death.
• #8. Rowing Injury – Rowing or sculling on a lake, river or the ocean provides phenomenal exercise to remain fit while enjoying the outdoor beauty of local lakes, rivers and ponds. However, many individuals suffer rowing injuries caused by muscle strain or tendinitis. These types of injuries are the result of over training, lack of fitness or poor technique.
• #9 Topical Injury – Outdoor adventures at rivers, ponds and lakes can expose individual to various conditions that cause topical injuries including frostbite, sunburn, laceration, snow blindness or injury by plant thorns. Extreme weather conditions including low temperatures and excessive heat can produce serious internal injuries including near-death freezing or heatstroke.
• #10 Injury by Animals – Many outdoor rural areas by ponds, rivers and lakes are also enjoyed by large predatory animals including cougars, bears, coyotes and rattlesnakes. Many unsuspecting animals are surprised by campers or day visitors and often attack in response to their fear. Certain venomous creatures including bees, spiders and scorpions can cause anaphylaxis shock when attacking the victim that might cause death due to the time it takes to acquire first aid or immediate medical attention.
Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the U.S. In fact, 10 individuals die every day on average from unintentional drownings, all of which could have been prevented.
Accidents can occur in various bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, oceans, and rivers. These accidents can have a range of causes and consequences. Here are some common types of accidents that can happen in these water environments:
- Drowning: Drowning is one of the most common and serious accidents in all types of water bodies. It can occur when individuals are unable to keep themselves afloat or reach the surface of the water due to fatigue, panic, or other factors.
- Boating Accidents: These accidents can happen on lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans when boats or watercraft collide with each other, hit submerged objects, or capsize. They can result in injuries or fatalities.
- Rip Currents: In the ocean, rip currents can pull swimmers away from the shore and into deeper water. Swimmers caught in rip currents can struggle to return to the shore and may need rescue.
- Floods: Rivers can overflow and cause flooding, which can lead to property damage and even loss of life. Flash floods are particularly dangerous, as they can occur suddenly and with little warning.
- Hypothermia: In colder water bodies, such as mountain lakes and rivers, individuals may suffer from hypothermia if they are exposed to cold water for an extended period. This can lead to a range of health issues and potentially be life-threatening.
- Waterborne Diseases: In stagnant or polluted water bodies like ponds, individuals can become sick from waterborne diseases due to exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: At lakes, ponds, and rivers, people can slip on wet or uneven surfaces, leading to injuries. This is common near the water’s edge.
- Animal Encounters: In some areas, encounters with wildlife like alligators, sharks, or snakes can lead to accidents and injuries, especially in rivers and ponds.
- Hypoxia: In oceans, hypoxia (low oxygen) can occur, leading to “dead zones” where marine life can’t survive. This can impact fishing and the overall ecosystem.
- Watercraft Collisions: In busy waterways, collisions between ships and boats can result in serious accidents and environmental damage.
- Water Sports Accidents: Activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, and wakeboarding can lead to accidents when participants lose control, collide with objects, or fall.
- Cave Diving Accidents: In some freshwater cave systems, cave divers can encounter accidents due to the complexity of the underwater environment and potential equipment malfunctions.
It’s important to follow safety guidelines, be aware of local conditions, and take appropriate precautions when engaging in water-related activities to reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, knowing how to swim and being familiar with water rescue techniques can be valuable skills in emergency situations.