The summer season of 2024 is in full swing. While most states which enjoy a coastline with the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans boast the most significant cluster of boaters and aquatic enthusiasts, residents of states in the interior of the nation living near rivers or lakes and those along the great freshwater lakes in the north also partake in these affairs. In most instances, swimming, boating, waterskiing, parasailing, tubing, or any other sub activity within the world of water is looked upon as a fun, lighthearted and leisurely event. Americans across the country Unfortunately, in the case of two individuals from Tennessee, a day of fun ended in unspeakable tragedy.
A father and son were killed in late 2023 while jet skiing. Steven White, aged 36 years was driving the water based vehicle with his 9 year old son at around 7:45 p.m. according to a local news source titled “The Tennessean”. White struck a barge, crashing the ski into the vessel. Crew members of the barge were quick to respond to the occurrence, but when White was found to be unresponsive and brought ashore, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. His step son, Blake Brainard, was thrown from the ski upon impact. Officials began an immediate search for his body, but it was not until nearly 24 hours had passed that on Sunday, September 10th at around 6:40 p.m. that his body was located. Both White and Brainard had been wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
Unfortunately, aquatic accidents continue to occur. In Northern California, two men, one 26 year old from Yuba City named Enrique Hernandez and another 24 year old from Nicaragua drowned while swimming in the Yuba River in Nevada. Two other men perished days ago in another reservoir in the region, showing that the risks associated with swimming at leisure continue to be significant. Unfortunately, as summer continues, tragedies may occur.
