A 16-year-old boy from Sofia was briefly hospitalized with a suspected concussion after an accident involving a water attraction in Sunny Beach on Wednesday afternoon. The teenager, who had been enjoying a popular seaside activity with friends, was later discharged in good health from the University Hospital in Burgas.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. near the central beach in Sunny Beach, one of Bulgaria’s most visited Black Sea resorts. According to initial reports, three underage tourists rented a so-called “floating mattress” – a water attraction where an inflatable mattress is pulled at high speed by a boat.
During the ride, the boat operator reportedly made a sharp maneuver, causing one of the boys to fall off the inflatable. Witnesses said the teenager fell into the sea but was able to climb back onto the mattress unassisted. At first, none of the participants complained of injuries upon returning to shore.
However, the boy who had fallen showed a minor hemorrhage on his chin and shortly afterward began experiencing nausea and dizziness. Despite initially refusing medical assistance, he was soon examined by a doctor at the local beach medical center.
Suspecting a possible concussion, the doctor requested an emergency medical team, and the boy was transported to the University Hospital in Burgas for further evaluation.
Doctors at the hospital conducted examinations and kept the young patient under observation. Fortunately, no serious injuries were confirmed, and by evening, the teenager was discharged in good health.
The incident has prompted an investigation by the Nessebar Regional Police Department. Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated to determine whether safety regulations were breached during the water attraction ride. Police are expected to interview the boat operator, the boy’s companions, and other witnesses present at the scene.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria’s largest seaside resort, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every summer, many of them young tourists. Water attractions, including inflatable rides, jet skis, and parasailing, are among the resort’s most popular recreational activities.
However, concerns over safety standards are not new. Authorities have previously issued reminders that all operators of water-based attractions must adhere strictly to safety protocols and ensure adequate supervision for underage participants.
Local officials have urged caution to tourists, reminding them that high-speed inflatable rides can pose risks, particularly for children and teenagers. They also stressed that operators must provide clear instructions and respond promptly in case of emergencies.
Parents of young tourists are encouraged to supervise their children closely when using water attractions and to ensure that they are physically fit to participate.
In this case, the teenager’s swift medical treatment and subsequent recovery helped avoid a more serious outcome. Still, the accident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety practices at Bulgaria’s seaside resorts, especially during peak holiday season.