Waterskiing-related injuries.

Twenty-six cases of waterskiing-related injuries, including four deaths, were studied and the case histories classified into four categories. Injury was caused by a fall into unobstructed water, by boat propeller blades, by collisions with obstacles or a boat, and by the tow rope. Injuries sustained in falls were comparable to trauma seen in vigorous contact sports. Boat propeller blades inflicted devastating battlefield-type wounds, and collisions produced trauma similar to that seen in motor vehicle accidents. The shearing action of an accelerating tow rope imparted trauma unique to this sporting activity. There is limited recognition of the potential for serious injury that attends this recreational sport, and it is concluded that the prevention of injury depends on the nuclear trio of participants: boat operator, operator, observer, and skier.