Sailing Injuries
Sailboats cause many injuries and deaths per year, although not as many as motorboats and personal watercrafts do. Sailboats are more likely to get caught in bad weather, capsize, or cause injuries because of the ropes and rigging involved in operating the boat.
Interestingly, the majority of fatalities and injuries usually occur because of something that happens on board the sailboat, not because of drowning or collision with other boats. The most likely injuries are to the arms or legs, followed by the head and the lower back. Strains and sprains in the arms are most common, followed by fractures in the feet and lower legs. Skull fractures and brain injuries are also common.
Sailboat accidents usually involve an older age group than injuries that occur during motorboat and personal watercraft accidents. Sailboat occupants are typically men between 40 and 60 years of age, and they are the most likely to sustain injuries. The injuries usually involve the upper limbs (arms and shoulders), head, neck, and back.
To stay safe while operating or sailing on a sailboat, make sure to wear a flotation device as well as a locating beacon in case you fall overboard. Follow all the captain’s rules, and make sure you are aware of the hazards presented by the equipment on the boat. If you are a beginner sailor, make sure to stay in an area where you are in the least amount of danger. Also, make sure to sail only during times of fair and good weather conditions.