How to Stay Safe in the Water: Your Guide to Boat Safety

Whether you own a boat and you are taking it for a spin or you are a passenger, it is important to know how to stay safe and avoid injury. Even if you are an experienced boater, the uncertainty of the water means it is important to be prepared for an unexpected situation. People who are injured on the water should contact an experienced boat accident attorney to handle their potential case for compensation.

Boating Injury Statistics

In 2023, the Coast Guard reported that the number one cause of accidents and injuries on boats was due to an operator inattention, followed by an improper lookout as the number two reason. It is important to ensure that when operating a boat, you and your lookout are trained properly and are paying attention to keep everyone on board safe.

Water-related accidents often occur whether you are engaging in fishing, towed watersports, or even just taking a relaxing cruise around the lake. With these being three of the most common activities while on vacation, you should be prepared in case of an emergency. Staying safe while doing the things you enjoy is more than possible by following a few key steps.

How to Stay Safe on Boats

Being prepared for any situation that may arise while boating means having the proper tools and training to keep yourself and your passengers safe. There are many ways to ensure your safety and preparedness on a boat. With 3,844 accidents and 564 deaths reported in 2023, you need to make sure you are equipped to handle an emergency. Here are some basic safety measures you should ensure your boat is equipped with:

• Fire Extinguisher: Boats with enclosed engine compartments are required by code to have a fire extinguisher on board. Even if your boat does not have one of these, keep a fire extinguisher on board in case of any potential fires on your vessel.
• Visual Distress Signals: Flares, distress lights, and flags can all be used to help alert other boats passing by to a potential emergency. Ensure you have these on board to signal for assistance.
• Life Jackets: Even if all passengers on your boat know how to swim, life jackets can help prevent people from drowning in the case they hit their head and become disoriented. These flotation devices help keep victims’ heads above water and be rescued more easily. Also ensure that all children on board wear a life jacket at all times.
• Navigation Lights: During night time travel and times of low visibility, bright navigation lights alert your surrounding boaters of your position and can help prevent accidents.
• First Aid Kit: Having a first aid kit on board can address minor injuries and provide initial care until professional help arrives on scene.

We highly recommend buying any of these items before you take your boat out on the water.

Negligence and Improper Boating Conditions

As mentioned earlier, the two most common causes for injury and accidents are operator inattention and improper lookout. Do not be tempted to take your attention away from the path in front of you.

Something else to note in regards to boating safety is driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In 2023, the Coast Guard reported that there were a combined 90 deaths and 203 injuries due to driving a vehicle on the water while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Find a buddy who will stay sober with you and be your lookout to ensure you are partaking in safe boating practices.

Contact Us If You Were Injured in a Boat-Related Collision or Accident

Keeping everyone safe while on the water should be the number one priority of those who partake in boating activities. You can have fun on the water while following basic safety measures to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Even if you are prepared, there is still a chance for injury or accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident through no fault of your own, call our Personal Injury team today. It does not cost a thing to consult with us on your case. Give us a call today to see how we can help.