Like on any other social media platform, TikTok is introducing new trends. You might remember the time when the “bottle flip challenge” was popular. People were trying to flip various objects, capable of holding water, and land them upright. These trends were harmless, but the latest trend is different; it has already claimed the lives of four individuals. Here are the details of the “boat jumping” trend that has cost four lives on the TikTok platform.
The “boat jumping” trend has already claimed four lives!
Some trends that appear harmless can lead to serious injuries and accidents. One of these trends is undoubtedly the “boat jumping” trend. In this trend, you jump one by one from a speeding motorboat. At first glance, it seems simple and harmless. Just keep moving forward and jump. However, when you jump from a rapidly moving boat, you acquire a relative velocity compared to the boat.
As you gain speed relative to the boat, you hit the water surface with great force. According to the laws of physics, when you collide with surfaces that have surface tension, such as water, the surface reacts as if it were concrete. This can result in breaking your hand, arm, or even neck. Moreover, when you consider the possibility of joining the current created by the boat when jumping from the back of the boat, it becomes a real disaster.
Of course, injuries are not limited to these cases. Some jumpers collide with the parts of the boat that remain submerged, and some jump impulsively from the front. In such cases, being hit by the boat is not a surprising outcome. In our opinion, everyone should return to harmless trends like the “bottle flip challenge” instead of participating in dangerous trends like TikTok’s “boat jumping.”
What do you think about the TikTok “boat jumping” trend? Don’t forget to share your opinions in the comments section.