TikTok: Deadly Boat Jumping Trend Explained

Each year, TikTok sees its fair share of dangerous trends and challenges that sometimes cause irreparable damage to life and property. One such deadly trend is the viral boat jumping challenge on TikTok which has already claimed multiple lives in the United States. While the trend has been around for at least a couple of years, it seems to have gained significant traction in the recent months of 2023. Let’s take a look at what the deadly boat jumping trend is all about and how the viral TikTok challenge claimed lives. 

What is the Boat Jumping trend on TikTok?

In order to understand why this particular trend is dangerous, let’s explore the basics of how to do it. The #boatjumping trend on TikTok involves thrill-seekers jumping or flipping off the backs of speeding boats, only to land in the water and potentially face severe consequences.

TikTok boat jumping challenge that sees people leap off vessels moving at high speed is blamed for FOUR deaths in Alabama – as cop says victims broke their necks instantly. pic.twitter.com/2aCxvJZsRy

— Molly Ploofkins™ (@Mollyploofkins) July 9, 2023

Participants jump feet-first and lean into the water, but the speed of the boat can have grave consequences. While people might believe it’s only water, the boat’s speed can make the impact feel like jumping into concrete. 

Captain Jim Dennis of the Childersburg Rescue Squad explains, “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.” 

https://youtu.be/3oAi_fFCGEg

Captain Dennis addressed growing concerns about the trend, highlighting that it has become dangerously popular only since the beginning of 2023. He requested people not to do it at any cost, as it is not worth their lives. 

Victims of the Boat Jumping trend

Authorities from Alabama reported that the deadly boat jumping trend on TikTok claimed multiple lives. The first victim was a man who lost his life in February while attempting the challenge in the Coosa River. 

This new #Tiktok Boat jumping Trend where 4 people in Bama lost their lives by they jump off a boat going at a high rate of speed is so tragic stupid! People need too realize that jumping like that & from heights landing in the water is like hitting concrete

— ✨Turrean✨ (@Its_Turrean) July 10, 2023

His wife was recording the incident as she watched in horror. Despite this incident, three others paid no attention to stern warnings from rescuers and met a similar fate. Captain Dennis believes people pull off these stunts to show off in front of their friends for social media.  

People who participate in the trend often do not understand the risks that come along with it. Without proper protection for the head and neck, participants risk fatal injuries or permanent paralysis. 

Other dangerous TikTok trends

As sad as it may be, the Boat Jumping trend is not the first deadly TikTok challenge to have claimed lives. In recent years, numerous trends have caused serious harm to its participants, leading to safety concerns. 

The Benadryl Challenge, which led to the deaths of two teenagers, involved participants swallowing excessive amounts of the antihistamine medication to induce hallucinations. This could have potentially lethal consequences. 

Seeing TikTok challenges killing people is just sad. Like the new one of jumping off a boat at full speed. Please don’t. I’ve driven boats for over 10 years and jump off one at full speed hurts. Water doesn’t like to get out of the way at speed.

— Strato_the_Protogen (@StratotheProto) July 9, 2023

Variations of the Blackout Challenge, such as the Scarf Game, have also resulted in deaths. The game involves people putting cloth around their necks, which can result in low levels of oxygen to the brain. This, in turn, causes seizures, serious injury and even death.

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