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Guidance on Compensation for Water Sports Injuries Along East Devon’s Coast.

With Summer in full swing, East Devon’s coastline is once again a magnet for locals and visitors seeking adventure on the water. From paddleboarding off Exmouth, kayaking around Budleigh Salterton’s red cliffs, to jet skiing near Sidmouth or taking part in organised coastal tours from Beer and Seaton, water‑based activities are a cherished part of life along the Exe Estuary and the wider Jurassic Coast. But what happens when a day of enjoyment ends in injury through no fault of your own?

Starcross View - Image Courtesy of One Media.

Roger Henderson, Director and Head of Personal Injury at Rundlewalker Solicitors, explains how these incidents occur and what steps injured individuals should take if they believe negligence played a part.

“Water sports are a fantastic way to enjoy our coastline,” says Roger. “But they do carry risk - especially when proper precautions aren’t taken. Whether it’s poorly maintained equipment, inadequate supervision or unsafe operating practices, we regularly see cases where avoidable negligence has led to serious injury.”

Understanding the Risks.
Water sports accidents along the East Devon coast can arise from a range of factors. Common causes include:

• Faulty Equipment:
  Issues with jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, buoyancy aids or hire‑centre equipment due to poor maintenance.
• Inadequate Training:
  Insufficient instruction before taking part in activities such as sailing, powerboating or water skiing.
• Negligent Operators:
  Excessive speed, ignoring local safety zones, or operating vessels under the influence.
• Environmental Hazards:
  Strong currents off Exmouth, submerged rocks near Budleigh Salterton, sudden weather changes, or hazardous swell conditions along the Jurassic Coast - particularly where warnings were not properly communicated.
• Poor Safety Standards:
  Lack of life jackets, inadequate supervision, or failure to provide safety briefings before launching.

What to Do After an Accident.
If you’ve been injured during a water sport activity and believe it wasn’t your fault, Rundlewalker recommends the following steps:

1. Seek medical help immediately and ensure your injuries are properly documented.
2. Report the incident to the operator, instructor or hire centre and request a copy of any written report.
3. Collect evidence - take photographs, speak to witnesses and record the circumstances of the accident.
4. Keep detailed records of medical expenses, lost earnings and any related costs.

Can You Claim Compensation?
To bring a successful claim, you must show that the operator or organiser was negligent - that they owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and that breach caused your injury.

“In many cases,” says Roger, “we find negligence where organisers failed to act as a ‘reasonable person’ would - something courts often describe as the standard of the ‘man on the Clapham omnibus’.”

How Rundlewalker Can Help.
Rundlewalker’s Personal Injury Team provides clear, supportive guidance throughout the claims process. Our service includes:

• Investigating the accident and establishing liability
• Gathering evidence and expert reports
• Handling all communication with insurers
• Representing you in court, if required

No Win, No Fee Support.
At Rundlewalker Solicitors, we operate on a 'No Win, No Fee' basis. This means you won’t have to worry about legal fees upfront. Compensation can’t undo the trauma of an accident, but it can help ease the financial burden. You need to act swiftly and get the right legal advice. The highly experienced Accident and Injuries Team at Rundlewalker is available to you. Simply contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available. Please call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com.

Working with Road Safety Stakeholders.
Over the years, Roger has worked alongside a wide range of road safety stakeholders, including Learn 2 Live, and previously served for many years as a Trustee of The Honest Truth charity, supporting initiatives aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

Professional Memberships.
In addition to his role as President of Plymouth Advanced Motorists, Roger is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.

"I had a really positive experience with Rundlewalker. Roger was extremely knowledgeable and empathetic to my case. He kept me updated at every stage of the process and ensured I knew exactly what the next steps were. He was friendly and approachable and only ever a phone call away. I really appreciated his high level of professionalism, which all helped in achieving a successful outcome. Highly recommended." M.P.

 "We can't thank you, Roger, enough for all of your hard work during the process of the claim. You have been brilliant and kept us informed throughout which we both really appreciate, you have explained every step in a way that we could understand with ease, having had no experience in such a claim before.” Mrs N.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.