One of the best parts about living in Florida is all of the beautiful coastline and the ability to boat year-round. However, like any other activity, boating doesn’t come without a certain amount of risk. Accidents can still happen no matter what we do, but there are certain precautions you can take to minimize the risk of boating accidents and stay safe on the water. After all, you don’t want to ruin a perfectly good day with a crash – not to mention the inconvenience, expense, and trauma of injuries and wrecks. Here are some tips from Rosenblum & Mayer on how to stay safe on the water this summer while boating.
Factors That Can Result In Boating Accidents
There are a number of factors that can end up causing boating accidents, and oftentimes boating accidents involve several factors. While it’s impossible to predict everything that can happen on the water, being aware of some factors that contribute to boating accidents can help you reduce risks and potentially avoid accidents. Some common causes of boating accidents we see at Rosenblum & Mayer include:
- Operator inexperience
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operator inattention
- Machinery failure
- Improper lookout
- Boating while the weather is hazardous
- Boating while the water is hazardous
- Inadequate equipment
- Improper weight distribution or loading
Tips To Stay Safe When Boating
Along with being aware of potential situations that can lead to an accident, taking a couple of basic steps can help make your boating experience safer and more enjoyable. Here are a few general boating safety tips to keep in mind when you hit the water this summer:
- Always be aware of your surroundings: One of the biggest contributors to boating accidents is operator inattention. Always be alert to your surroundings when boating, including other buoys, boats, and obstacles. Even if you have guests onboard, don’t get distracted and maintain a 360-degree awareness of the situation.
- Keep a sober boat: Driving a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal both on the state and federal level. Make sure that anybody who will be operating the boat stays away from drugs or alcohol, and try and keep the inebriation to a minimum (or at least a responsible level) amongst the other occupants of the boat as well, as they could fall overboard or cause a distraction to the captain.
- Stay hydrated: It’s hot in Florida, and boating under the hot sun can bring on heatstroke. Drink lots of water to avoid heat-related injuries.
- Swim properly: Ensure that everybody on the boat is only swimming in specific areas and always turn the engine off before letting people get off to prevent any accidents.
- Load cargo evenly: When loading the boat with cargo and people, distribute everything evenly throughout to keep everything stable and reduce the risk of capsizing
- Secure items: To prevent injuries and damage to the boat during sudden twists and turns, secure all loose items properly
- Take a boating safety course: Even if it is not required, taking a boating safety course can equip you with the education you need to avoid causing an accident and also how to respond if an accident happens
- Familiarize yourself with speed zones: Learn what the designated speed zones are in the area where you are boating, and stick to the posted speed limits
Contact Us Today
Taking a few simple safety precautions can go a long way towards staying safe while boating this summer. If you do get into a boating accident, call Rosenblum & Mayer to consult with an experienced Florida boating accident attorney today.