Living in South Florida has many benefits, and one of them is a boating and water lifestyle. We have some of the most beautiful waterways in the country, and the Gulf and Bay are both irresistible through the spring and summer months. Still, the number of people taking to the water on boats is also quite dangerous. Whether drunk or distracted boating, inexperience, overcrowding or unlawful operation, the chance of a boating accident rises each year at this time. That is why we would like to once again remind you of your rights should you find yourself as the victim of a boating mishap.
Boating accidents are a common occurrence in Florida. Unsuspecting boaters may think that the water is wide open, and thus much less likely to be the scene of an accident, but there are many reasons why these crashes occur.
Boating under the influence: Drunk driving is not just a problem for motorists! Research provides that alcohol use is the leading cause of boating accidents and accidental drownings. Sadly, many of the accidents prove fatal.
Distracted boating: Again, boats are vehicles. And just like when operating a car or truck, it is important to stay alert and not be distracted by your phone or other passengers. You could hit swimmers, other boats, rocks or buoys and cause a lot of damage – or even hurt or kill someone.
Operational mistakes: Many errors made while operating a boat can lead to accidents. Some common mistakes include getting lost during bad weather or after dark, operating the boat at excessive speeds, or mistakes while navigating. Not cutting off the propeller when people are swimming can result in severe injury, as can backing up without checking behind you.
Inexperience and Unpreparedness: Those new to boating should never go out on the water unless they are with an experienced navigator/operator. It is too easy to get disoriented in bad weather, or misread warning signs. Wakes and debris are two examples of obstacles which when misjudged, can cause a lot of trouble for a novice boater. New boaters also often venture out without the right safety equipment, such as emergency supplies, flares, a first aid kit, and personal flotation devices for everyone on board.
Equipment failure: As with any vehicle, boats require maintenance. Engine failure or moving parts malfunctioning can also lead to accidents, serious injury, and even death.
Boating Accidents and Common Injuries
Of course, anything is possible with a vehicle accident, and boating accidents are no different. However, there are some injuries that happen more often than others, and there include:
- Lacerations and cuts
- Torn ligaments, pulled muscles
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), both from head blows and lack of oxygen to the brain if drowning
- Amputations and severed limbs
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
According to the US Coast Guard’s latest statistics (2019) there were 4,168 boating accidents reported, with 613 reported fatalities.
After a Boating Accident
Boating accidents may include drowning, injuries suffered when a boat hits a sandbar or rock, or collisions with other vehicles. In the event of a boating accident, you should call immediately for medical attention and notify the local authorities – just like after an auto accident. Making sure everyone is safe or gets the attention they need is critical.
However, if you have been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another boater, you should also contact a Sarasota personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Protecting your rights is as important on the water as it is on land. If you have been involved in a boating accident and are exploring your options, call Probinsky & Associates today.
