Boating Safety Can Be A Matter of Life and Death

As Summer sizzles on, many of us look forward to spending more time on the water.

Boating can be a wonderful way to relax and enjoy time with friends, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety while boating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 3,844 accidents that resulted in 2,126 injuries and 564 boating fatalities in 2023.

Alcohol use is still the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Alcohol can be more dangerous on the water than on land due to several compounding factors: sun, wind, engine vibration, and boat movement. All of these factors can cause fatigue and lead to a person’s coordination and judgement declining faster than someone on land.

The best way to avoid unforeseen accidents is not to have alcohol aboard. This takes down the risk of injury to yourself and of intoxicated passengers being injured or falling overboard. We know this is not a  popular view, and that you may continue to have drinks onboard your boat, but we ask that you do so responsibly.

When the cause of death was known, 75 percent of victims drowned. Of those that drowned, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. This is a staggering number. So many lives can be saved by wearing a life jacket. Where instruction was known, 75 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction.  

We hope you’re enjoying a good time on the water this summer. Please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind, and remember, the best life jacket is the one you will wear. Also, consider taking a boating safety course to help keep you and others safe. Many organizations offer courses that can enhance your knowledge and skills.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a boating accident, please contact us today and speak with one of our attorneys. We are here to help.