Boating Accident Prevention Tips
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on July 11, 2024
Summer is the perfect time to take your boats out on a lake, or rent a boat for a day on the water. However, with more boats on the water, it is important to be cautious! There are now more boats to avoid, more people in the water, and novice boaters at the wheel. Not to mention that alcohol consumption increases in the summer, especially doing outdoor activities like a lake day. You should always be aware of your surroundings and practicing safe boating habits at any time of the year. But, if you are looking for a refresher on boating accident prevention, now is the time to brush up on things you can do to keep yourself, your passengers, and your property safe out on the water!
1. Respect the Speed Limit and No-Wake Zones
Just like driving a car, there are speed limits in waterways and other bodies of water. Also just like driving a car, the faster you are going with a boat, the more difficult it will be to control and stop the boat. Know the speeds in all parts of the water you are boating in, but be especially careful in no-wake zones. Boating in a no-wake zone mean that your boat should be going slow enough to not make a wake. This could be:
- To protect a marina
- Because of congestion
- Due to limited sightlines
Know your lake or river’s rules before you go out with your boat, and respect them. They are there to keep everyone safe!
2. Drive Sober
As stated before, summertime ranks as the 2nd most popular time for alcohol consumption, only behind the holiday season. It is illegal to drive a boat whilst intoxicated, so be sure to know your alcohol tolerance and plan accordingly. If you do not have a back-up designated driver who knows how to operate a boat and has a boating license, then it is highly recommended that you stick to non-alcoholic drinks.
3. Operate When There is Still Light Outside
Summer days are longer than any other time of the year. More time in the sun, and more fun to be had! When you are on a boat, however, be sure to remain aware of how much sunlight you have left. It can be very difficult to navigate dark waters once the sun goes down. To be sure you do not encounter any obstacles on your way in, don’t stay out on the lake when it gets dark. This ensures the safety of other lake patrons and your boat; boating accident prevention applies to both people and property!
4. Remain Vigilant of the Water Around You
Depending on the body of water that you are in, water visibility might be clear, or you might not be able to see two inches underwater. Take wide berths around other anchored boats to ensure you don’t accidentally run into a group of swimmers or smaller boat, and always be visually aware of your line of sight in all directions!
5. Know the Boat You are Driving
If you do not have a boat and are renting or borrowing one, then be sure to familiarize yourself with the vehicle before you take it out on the water. Even if you are a seasoned captain, all boats are different. Know the basic functions of how to operate it, where all of the necessary bits and bobs are, and ask the owners if there is anything of special note that you should know before driving it. If it is your first time driving a particular boat, it might help to take it out slower than you usually would in order to adjust.
6. Keep Emergency Equipment Easily-Accessible and Updated
Accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone on the water, no matter how much you prepare or how many boating accident prevention tips you take to heart. Some items, like Type I, II, or III personal flotation devices (PFDs) and a fire extinguisher are legally required to be kept on board in case of these emergencies. However, you should be prepared to handle any situation that arises on your boat. You can read a full list of emergency boat kit recommendations in our blog, “5 Things You Should Always Keep In Your Boat Emergency Kit,” but a first aid kit, a loud sound device or radio, and a flashlight with extra batteries are at the top!
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced injury attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of boating accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.