A new TikTok challenge, called “boat jumping,” has claimed the lives of four people in the last six months, according to Alabama officials.
The trend involves thrill-seekers jumping or flipping off the back of a boat traveling at a high rate of speed. Cpt. Jim Dennis of the Childersburg Rescue Squad told WBMA that the fatalities occurred when the jumper’s neck broke as they hit the water, causing them to drown.
“Last six months, we have had four drownings that were easily avoidable,” he told the outlet. “They were doing a TikTok challenge. It’s where you get in a boat going at a high rate of speed, you jump off the side of the boat, don’t dive, you’re jumping off feet first, and you just kinda lean into the water.”
A speeding boat combined with the still water makes the landing similar to jumping onto concrete. Aside from the possibility of death, a person could become paralyzed from jumping off of a moving boat.
He advises that if you see someone jump out of a boat and fail to resurface, call 911 and stay in the area. If you leave, try to mark the location using your phone or the boat’s technology. If the swimmer is injured or unresponsive and if you can get them back onto the boat, try moving them as minimally as possible. Dennis recommends bringing them to shore and calling 911.
He believes people are participating in the trend to show off on social media.
“I think people, if they’re being filmed on camera, I think they’re more likely to do something stupid because they want to show off in front of their friends for social media,” Dennis said.
Dennis said the trend has been an issue for first responders over the last two years but has been gaining in popularity this year. He is encouraging boaters and their passengers to avoid participating in the trend.
