Tips for Avoiding a Boating Accident

A fun and relaxing day on the water can quickly turn into a nightmare when you collide with another boat, run out of fuel, or lose control of your boat. Boating accidents can be extremely dangerous, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. With these tips, you can boat more safely and spend more time enjoying time with your loved ones.

If you or someone you love is injured in a boating accident, it’s important to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Call Coumanis & York at 251-990-3083 to set up a consultation now.

Never, Ever Boat While Under the Influence

A day on the boat with a 12-pack or a couple bottles of wine may sound heavenly, but nothing impacts your judgment quite like alcohol. This is especially true when you’re on a boat, far away from anywhere you can get fresh water to slow yourself down. On a hot day, dehydration and alcohol consumption can cause you to become inebriated far more quickly than you might expect. Alcohol is a factor in a shocking amount of boating accidents, so stick to water or soda when you’re navigating.

Know the Rules and Laws Where You Are Boating

Whether you are boating somewhere you know like the back of your hand or trying out a new body of water, take some time to review local laws and statutes. You should expect that others will be following those same rules and do the same yourself. Failing to do so could not only cost you money in citations, it could put you in danger of a crash.

Do Not Get Complacent

Complacency is the enemy when you are in charge of a multi-ton vehicle. You should definitely spend time with your friends and family, but do not ever stop checking out your surroundings and making sure you know where you are. Getting too comfortable could put you in the path of an obstacle or cause you to lose track of where you are. By the time you realize you’re lost, out of gas, or in danger, it could be too late to change course.

Avoid Excessive Speeding

Excessive speed is a factor in many boating crashes, but people still continue to seek that adrenaline rush. All it takes is one second to lose control of your boat and cause a tragedy. When choosing your traveling speed, make sure you account for the weather forecast, the number of other boaters on the water, and water conditions.

Make Sure You Have Enough Gas

Running out of gas while at sea is, at best, embarrassing. At worst, it can happen when you’re so far from shore that you cannot call for help or rely on anyone to find you. Avoid the situation entirely by bringing more fuel than you need. Calculate your route, figure out how much fuel you will need to safely complete the trip, and then add some more as a safety buffer.

Keep Extra Safety Gear on Hand

When an accident occurs, you’ll never wish you had less safety gear with you. Be prepared for whatever may come your way by calculating how much safety gear you would need to provide for everyone on board. Then, just like you do when thinking about how much gas you’ll need, bring extra. If someone finds an ill-fitting life jacket, you’ll have extras. Some people go light on safety gear to make room for other items but avoid this temptation. It doesn’t matter how well your family swims or how confident you are about your knowledge of the body of water you’re on, an emergency can happen any time and in any situation.

Call Coumanis & York to Discuss Your Options After an Accident

An accident can forever change your life, and you should not be left with all of the financial burden if you weren’t liable for the accident. That’s where Coumanis & York can help you. We will fight on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve. To set up a consultation today, call us at 251-990-3038 or get in touch with us online. We look forward to meeting with you.