Boating Accident Head Injuries in Florida

Who this is for: Written for boaters, personal-watercraft riders and their families after a collision or hard fall on Florida's waters.

Florida's waterways carry real head-injury risk

With its coastline, lakes and rivers, Florida sees heavy boating, personal watercraft and water-sports traffic for most of the year. Collisions between vessels, being thrown in rough water, striking the console or a railing, falls on wet decks and tubing or wakeboarding accidents can all cause head injuries. Alcohol, sun exposure and dehydration make symptoms harder to notice at the time.

Someone who hit their head may feel cold, tired or seasick and assume that explains how they feel.

Why water accidents are tricky

After a boating incident, people focus on getting to shore, dealing with damaged equipment or caring for others. Someone who hit their head may feel cold, tired or seasick and assume that explains everything. Time in the water or a near-drowning adds other medical concerns. Concussion symptoms can go unnoticed for days.

What to record

Note the date, location and conditions, how the incident happened, whether you struck your head or were jolted, whether you lost consciousness or have memory gaps, and who was with you. Report the incident as Florida boating rules require. Get medical evaluation and describe the impact clearly.

Related in this series: Accident Types We Support (Auto, Fall, Work, Motorcycle), Wearing a Helmet and Still Concussed? How It Happens and Head Injury Red Flags: When to Go to the ER Right Away. For the full overview, start with our guide, Concussion After a Crash.

Symptoms to watch for

Watch for headache, dizziness and balance problems, which are easy to mistake for sea legs, along with nausea, light sensitivity, trouble concentrating, memory lapses, irritability and sleep changes. If dizziness or balance problems continue once you are back on land, tell your provider.

Another impact while you are still recovering is a real concern.

Returning to the water

Boating and water sports demand balance, quick reactions and sound judgment in changing conditions. Talk with your provider before operating a boat or personal watercraft again, particularly if dizziness, visual symptoms or slowed thinking remain. Another impact while you are recovering is a real concern, so avoid high-risk water sports until your provider clears you. As a passenger, tell the operator about your symptoms so they can avoid rough water and high speeds.

Testing through your provider

If symptoms persist, your treating provider can refer you for mobile testing at their office. A visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the physician-reviewed diagnostic report helps your provider decide on next steps. Braintree serves patients from our Tampa Bay base, including coastal and lake communities across our service areas.

Related reading:
How mobile testing works Concussion & TBI testing For patients Service areas pedestrian head injury florida what happens at a mobile concussion test