Tourist revenue is the impetus for many small towns to invite attraction businesses into their fold. Columbus, Georgia’s second largest city and fourth-largest metropolitan area, is home to a myriad of entertainment options that allow out-of-towners to enjoy its landscape and cultural heritage in the form of rides and walking tours.
Due to its positioning along the Chattahoochee River, many of the popular attractions in Columbus are riparian in nature. The National Civil War Naval Museum, located at 1002 Victory Drive, overlooks the river. The space has been carefully curated to include full-scale and partial replicas of famous warships that once docked in the river, including the USS Water Witch and the USS Hartford. The authentic structures of the CSS Jackson and CSS Chattahoochee are featured on the premises.
Whitewater, a popular waterpark chain, runs along a 2.5-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee. Although manmade, the waterpark operates alongside the natural river. In April, the waterpark will host the first Fall Line Classic Competition featuring a men’s, women’s, and junior freestyle competition, along with an 8 Ball & Down River Race.
Although Columbus offers plenty of waterfront action, personal injuries are prominent when it comes to tackling slippery terrain along the Chattahoochee and surrounding lakes.
Last June, a woman fell 30 feet from a cliff inside of Roswell’s Vickery Creek Park. The three-mile Vickery Creek is part of the trail network of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area parks. That same month, the bodies of a man and a boy were found in a lake in Columbus after a storm overturned their boat. In January, a kayaker was rescued by Columbus police after a 45-minute search of the freezing river around RiverWalk Island after his kayak capsized.
Each year, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division releases statistics on the number and causes of reported boating accidents in the U.S. The statistical report from 2014, the latest report released, shows that the number of accidents that take place in April exceeds other months.
As we near the end of winter, it’s important to practice safety precautions as warmer weather returns to the Columbus area. The American Red Cross advises that swimming only take place in areas that are supervised by lifeguards. They also maintain a list of classes nationwide for swimming education and swimming instruction. An aquatic attraction lifeguarding instructor course is offered for free online for those seeking employment at attractions and waterfronts around Columbus.
Slip and falls, boating accidents, and other personal injuries and incidents at attractions are common in tourist towns. While you may be ready to jump into warm water at the onset of spring, beware of the risks that come with fun in the sun. If you have experienced personal injuries that are no fault of your own whilst engaging in waterfront activities or visits to popular destinations, contact the attorneys at Morgan & Morgan. We’re here to assist you with a free consultation and case evaluation regarding your situation. Gear up for the new season with the best representation in town.
comments