While recreational water sports are one of America’s primary ways to have fun and stay cool, especially in the summer months, the water can be unforgiving. On average, 714 boaters die each year, at least two-thirds of those by drowning. Most water deaths are the result of a refusal to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device, or uneducated boaters. In fact, over three-fourths of the boaters who drown in a boating accident would still be alive had they been wearing a life-jacket. Over 80 percent of boat operators who have been involved in serious boating accidents have never completed a boating safety course and have no formal training in boat operation.  In 2009 alone, the Coast Guard reported 4,730 accidents. There were 736 deaths and 3,358 injuries as a result of those accidents and the fatality rate stands at 5.8 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels.

Other Types of Boating Accidents

The most common types of boating accidents include a boat sinking or tipping, multiple boat collisions, boating fires and slip and falls due to a wet, slippery surface. Quite often, especially in the cases of boat collisions and boats which sink, the cause is a reckless or inexperienced boat operator. Boating fires are most often caused by boat malfunctions. Unfortunately, many boating accidents involve the use of alcohol. Boating operators are out having fun with their friends and family members, and while they might never get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, they think nothing of having a few beers and driving a boat. Some studies indicate that alcohol is responsible for up to 25% of all boating fatalities.

Safety Tips to Reduce Boating Accidents

The number one safety tip to remember when boating is to make sure that children and adults alike are wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device. While most parents would never dream of driving without putting their kids into a car seat or seat belt, they are much less vigilant on the water. All boat operators should complete a state-approved recreational boating safety course, and you should never get onto a boat unless you are sure the operator is adequately trained. Most of us would never think of hopping into a car with a driver who didn’t have a license, but have much less hesitation in getting on a boat with a driver who has had little to no safety training. Ensure that any boat you are on has adequate life-jackets, a loud horn, whistle or bell for emergencies, a working radio to make a distress call, a fire extinguisher and adequate ventilation on gasoline powered boats.

The Legal Aspects of a Boating Accident

When a boating accident leads to litigation, remember there are different laws for recreational boating accidents than for seamen, and, in fact, Merchant Seamen are the most legally represented group in injuries sustained at sea caused by minor issues such as slick decks all the way to serious issues such as collisions with other vessels. If you’ve been in a boating accident and suffered injuries as the result of negligence on the part of the boat operator, it’s important to find a personal injury attorney who specializes in representing victims boating accidents. A knowledgeable boating attorney will thoroughly investigate your particular accident and will hire the very best investigators. He or she will consult with prominent medical professionals and work with those who can explain how the accident happened as well as describe the extent of your injuries and show negligence on the part of the boat operator. Don’t suffer from the long-term effects of a boating accident, rather find an attorney to stand up for your rights.