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North Tonawanda, NY (July 27, 2026) – Two children suffered serious injuries when two jet skis collided head-on on the Niagara River near Gratwick Park on Saturday afternoon, July 25, according to North Tonawanda fire officials. Four people total, two on each jet ski, were thrown into the water around 3 p.m. after the wreck, about 100 feet from shore near the Gratwick Boat Launch.
Two of the four were found unconscious in the water. Nearby civilians on jet skis helped pull some of them to shore, and paramedics on scene from a nearby community event were able to begin treatment immediately.
All four were wearing life jackets, which officials credited with preventing a more serious outcome. Two children were taken to area hospitals with serious injuries, while the other two were also hurt. The investigation remains ongoing.
We hope everyone involved has a full recovery.
Why Are Life Jackets So Important in a Watercraft Crash?
When people are thrown into the water after a watercraft crash, a life jacket can be the difference between staying afloat and going under, especially if someone is unconscious or disoriented immediately afterward. Even a strong swimmer can struggle to stay above water if they’re injured or in shock.
Cold water and choppy conditions can make self-rescue difficult even for someone uninjured, since sudden immersion can cause involuntary gasping or muscle stiffness. A properly fitted life jacket keeps a person’s head above water without requiring active effort, buying crucial time until help arrives.
Rescuers and bystanders nearby also have an easier time locating and reaching someone who’s visibly floating rather than searching for a submerged person. This is part of why officials consistently recommend wearing a life jacket at all times on the water, not just when conditions look rough, since a crash can happen without warning.
