Fire crews and EMS responded to the boat ramp to treat the injured child, according to initial reports.
No further details about the extent of the injuries or how the propeller strike happened were immediately available. We hope for the child’s full recovery.
Why Are Boat Propellers So Dangerous Near Ramps and Docks?
Boat propellers spin at high speeds and can cause severe lacerations in a fraction of a second, since the blades are typically metal and designed to cut through water efficiently. Injuries tend to happen near docks, ramps, or shallow swimming areas where boats and people share the same limited space.
Boat ramps pose a particular risk because vessels frequently start or stop their engines while people, including children, may be in the water or on the ramp. A propeller can remain dangerous even at low idle speeds, since the blades are still moving even if the boat appears to be barely creeping forward.
Many safety experts recommend that swimmers and waders stay well clear of any boat with its engine running, and that boat operators do a visual check for people in the water before engaging the propeller. Propeller guards and kill switches, which stop the engine if a driver is thrown from the boat, can also reduce the risk of such injuries.
