Epidemiology of personal watercraft-related injury on Arkansas waterways, 1994-1997: identifying priorities for prevention.

Personal watercraft (PWC) use has increased rapidly in the past ten years. Consequences of the increased use are collisions and injuries. This study was conducted to determine the etiology and the characteristics surrounding PWC collisions and injury associated with the use of these popular water recreational vehicles and determine countermeasures. Methods included obtaining boating accident reports limited to PWCs from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the years 1994 through 1997. Results show that there were 126 incidents involving 141 vessels and over $156,000 (US) in property damage. Almost two-fifths of PWC users were injured, mainly head trauma and fractures to the lower limbs. There were five reported fatalities. Study suggests that PWC collisions and injury are increasing. With increased use and popularity, this trend will continue unless sustained efforts in prevention are established. Changes in policy, education and manufacturing standards need to be considered and initiated to provide for safe PWC operation and boating environment.