Have you ever jumped into a pool or a lake that was a little colder than you thought it was? Did it take your breath away when you hit the cold water? Maybe you eventually acclimated to it and you could swim without problem, because it wasn’t actually that cold. But you still had this surprising response when you were first submerged under the water. This is very common, and it is known as a cold shock response. It often makes people feel like their chest is tight, and they will gasp sharply when they hit the water. In some cases, people will also start to hyperventilate, which is often an unc ..read more

People utilize boats and water vessels for different reasons. For some, boating is a leisurely activity that they do on the weekend. For commercial fishermen and offshore workers, boating is a way of life. In any case, there are numerous hazards when out on the water, and this is where personal floatation devices (PFDs) come in. Outlined below are three of the most common types of PFDs. 1. Special-use devices Special-use devices are usually quite lightweight. They include items like wet suits and paddling vests. Special-use devices are commonly associated with activities such as kayaking and p ..read more

The very same reality that makes a cruise ship vacation so appealing also puts people at quite a bit of risk. Being out on the water can lead to dazzling scenery and the calming effect of a rocking vessel on the waves. However, cruise ship passengers can also end up severely injured by the ocean waters that they travel on during their vacations. Anyone who goes overboard while on a cruise ship could end up seriously injured and at risk of dying. Low railings combined with liberal amounts of alcohol could put someone at risk of falling overboard after an enjoyable evening. Bad weather could als ..read more

Tourists who come to Florida often enjoy renting boats. Some rent personal watercraft just for a fun day on the waves. Others rent fishing boats to take out and do deep-sea fishing. Still others rent pontoon boats or other recreational craft. These tourists are inevitably involved in accidents every year. People get hurt on the water, and tourists are sometimes responsible for making mistakes that cause avoidable accidents. One of the reasons for this is that a tourist could be incredibly inexperienced. In fact, it could be their first time even operating a boat. You wouldn’t want to share the ..read more

Cruise ship voyages are a popular and enjoyable way to travel, but accidents and injuries can occur on board. If you find yourself injured on a cruise ship, it’s important to take certain steps to better ensure your safety and well-being. Cruise line operators and their crews are required to abide by safety regulations and provide assistance in the event of an injury. With that said, you shouldn’t assume that they’ll take every step in your interests. As such, the following are some of the steps you should take if you are injured on a cruise ship regardless of how others respond to your situat ..read more

Fishing is not only a popular pastime in the U.S., it’s a major industry. Over 1 million people are currently employed in the fishing industry.  While the business can be lucrative for both companies and workers, there are a number of risks. Outlined below are some of the most common hazards that commercial fishermen face.  Overboard incidents  Falling overboard is the most severe hazard that commercial fishermen face. Even an experienced swimmer can soon get into trouble with an unexpected fall overboard, and they may also have injured themself during the fall. The risk of drow ..read more

If you look at car crash statistics, you’ll see that age plays a role in who is most likely to cause – or otherwise be involved in – a collision. Teenage drivers are far more likely to be affected by a crash than any other age group. Those at the other end of the age spectrum also suffer a high risk of causing and suffering harm. What about boats? Could someone’s age make it more likely that they’ll cause a boating accident? The inexperience of youth The main reason so many teenagers crash is their lack of driving experience. Everyone makes mistakes when they first do something, but they get b ..read more

There are many hazards associated with offshore employment. Whether workers have a job on a fishing vessel or an oil rig, they face dangerous work circumstances in the best of situations. During times of bad weather or when machinery malfunctions, offshore work can sometimes prove deadly. Risks include chemical exposure, fires and injury caused by machinery. However, the ocean itself is one of the biggest risks to workers. A large number of offshore workers lose their lives on the way to or from an offshore work location. Drownings and near-drownings are a constant issue if offshore employees ..read more

Are you planning on getting on a cruise ship this year? There’s a lot of joy that can come from spending your vacation on a cruise ship. However, traveling by a cruise ship isn’t all pleasure. It’s important to know about the dangers of vacationing on a cruise ship. Here’s what you should know: The decks are often wet Many cruise ship accidents happen because the decks are wet. The decks may be wet for many reasons: water from pools, rain or large waves. A slip and fall from a wet surface can lead to spine and head injuries. There can be illness outbreaks Cruise ships are confined. As a result ..read more

Distracted boating has become an alarming concern, posing risks and challenges that demand immediate attention. Distracted boating refers to the act of operating a watercraft while the operator’s attention is divided between the task of navigating and engaging in other activities. Much like distracted driving on roads, distracted boating poses significant dangers to both the boat operator and those sharing the waterways. Common causes of distracted boating In the digital age, mobile devices have become ubiquitous, even on the open water. The need to stay connected has led to a surge in boaters ..read more