Florida jet ski accidents are more common than one might think. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, who oversees boating, in 2011, there was $316,856 in damages from jet skis. Monroe county led the state in accidents, showing that one out of every seventy-nine registered jet skis was in an accident. While many jet skis are registered for personal use, there are jet skis that are available for vacationers to rent. In nearly 75% of jet ski accidents, negligence played a part in the incident. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, jet ski accidents account for 30% of all watercraft accidents.
The Times-Union reports that three people were injured in a jet ski crash in St. Johns County.
The accident occurred this past Saturday afternoon. A Good Samaritan in a pontoon boat was able to rescue one of the injured victims. That victim was unconscious and suffering from cardiac arrest. The operator of the pontoon performed CPR until they reached the shore where St. Johns Fire Rescue took over.
The victim began breathing again and was flown in critical condition to Orange Park Medical Center.
The second victim suffered from non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. A third victim was treated and released.
The crash is currently being investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined.
