As summer in Ohio officially draws to an end, many residents are enjoying the last warm days by getting out on the water. While often considered a leisurely and fun activity, there are many dangers associated with boating as a recent Ohio boat accident that involved eight individuals proves.

The accident recently occurred along the Ohio River around 6:30 p.m. when a 20-foot boat began to sink, causing panic among the eight individuals who were aboard the boat. Thankfully the two young children, two teenagers and four adults were all rescued by other boaters who witnessed the horrific event.

One of the individuals aboard the boat at the time of the accident sustained injuries which required medical attention. The others apparently did not suffer physical injuries. Eye-witnesses to the accident, however, report that all panicked and were shaken up by the event.

Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. It's not yet clear whether all of the individuals aboard the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. It's also unclear what factors may have contributed to the boat sinking.

While it's unclear whether alcohol played a factor in this boat accident, many boating accidents involve impaired drivers. In cases where an accident occurs and the individual operating the boat is found to have been drinking, injured passengers may choose to take legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit.

Boating accidents can result in serious and painful physical injuries. What's more, the psychological damage of being involved and injured in a boating accident often result in mental and emotional anguish that can linger for years.

Source: Fox 19, "8 rescured from sinking boat in Ohio River," Kelly Taylor, Sep. 2, 2013