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Florida Waters Can be a Dangerous Place for Boaters

In 2015, there were 737 reported accidents and 438 reported injuries associated with boats in Florida. While drowning is always a danger, injuries can include broken bones, lacerations, burns, shock and other internal injuries.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) provides the following statistics for 2014:

• Florida led the nation with a total number of 899,635 registered vessels.
• There were 64 fatal accidents for 2014 resulting in 73 fatalities.
• 28% of the fatal accidents were falls overboard and boaters falling overboard remains the main cause of boating fatalities.
• The leading cause of death in fatal boating accidents was drowning (70%).
• The deadliest month in 2014 was July with 17 fatalities.
• Alcohol or drug-use is reported to have played a role in 12% of boating fatalities.

Boating Safety Tips

The United States Coast Guard provides boater safety information that should be read and understood before using a boat. Always remember these key topics when boating:

• Lifejackets: Always make sure a proper life jacket is available for use at all times while boating. Test your lifejackets and inspect them for damage. If children are present, make sure the appropriate size lifejacket is available for them.
• Symbols and Markings: Understand all posted markings. For example, a buoy or beacon may have a diamond symbol which indicates that danger is near and boaters should be extra cautious.
• Safe Boating Education: In a typical year, approximately 70% of accidents involving fatalities occur on boats where the boat operator has had no formal instruction on how to operate the vessel. Always take all necessary training courses to ensure safe boat operation.
• Severe Weather: Always remember that you should never leave the dock without first checking the local weather forecast. Navigating harsh weather conditions is not easy and boaters should never take unnecessary risks.

The United States Coast Guard has also made available a Vessel & Equipment Checklist and Departure Checklist. Boaters should review each of these before using their boats and safety should never be taken lightly.

As with driving any motor vehicle, never drink and boat.

What is a “Reportable Boating Accident?”

Despite taking all of the safety precautions discussed above, you may still find that you have been involved in a boating accident. People enjoying boating should understand what a “reportable boating accident” is and the steps that need to be taken if such an accident does occur.

According to the FFWCC, a “reportable boating accident” occurs when at least one of the five criteria below is met:

• A person dies
• A person disappears under circumstances that indicate possible death or injury
• A person receives an injury requiring medical treatment beyond immediate first aid
• There is at least $2,000 aggregate property damage to the vessel(s) or other property
• There is a total loss of a vessel

Reporting accidents such as these to the appropriate authorities is critical for data compilation to help ensure that Florida boaters stay aware of the dangers associated with boating.

Get an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Involved 

Contact Cape Coral personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey to discuss your boating accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can work with you through the entire legal process to ensure that those responsible for the harm caused to you are held liable. Contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.