Do you plan on taking your family boating at any of the great spots located across America this summer? If so, we hope that you’ll do it safely. According to U.S. Coast Guard data, more than 4,500 accidents and 650+ fatalities occurred nationwide last year. The majority of those accidents took place during the months of June and July. With that said, here’s a closer look:
Some of the tragic boating accidents were related to personal negligence. Examples include overloading the vessel, using improper anchoring methods, speeding and steering while intoxicated or distracted. Other boating accidents were attributed to faulty machinery and equipment. Failures most often associated with boating deaths are connected to the vessel’s engine, steering, shifting, seating and auxiliary systems.
The good news is that there are ways that you may reduce your family’s risk of being involved in boating accidents. For starters, the BoatUS Foundation and many states’ Department of Natural Resources offer free online courses that some boating enthusiasts may find beneficial. The no-cost courses frequently contain information about the states’ boating rules. On top of that, many states are also home to several life jacket loaner programs. The programs are designed to provide personal floatation safety equipment to people that may not have their own gear.
People that have their own boats may also want to consider maintaining their vessels properly and being mindful of boating related recalls. Boating related recalls may be found through the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Resource Center.
If you or a loved one end up in a boating accident despite your best efforts, contact a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will review your boating accident case at no cost. Furthermore, you won’t have to pay personal injury lawyers anything unless they are victorious in their efforts to obtain justice for your family.
