Latest Blogs

On July 19, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) was searching for a person in the water near Destin, Florida. The USCG received a report that a 34-year-old female diver failed to resurface after checking the anchor line of a 23-foot catamaran. There were several agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), involved in the search. 

Florida leads the nation in the number of registered vessels with close to one million. The state also leads the nation in the number of annual boating fatalities. The FWC says that the combination of Florida’s environment and a significant population of avid boaters is challenging for them and their local and federal maritime partners. 

According to the FWC, 61 percent of the reportable 2019 boating accidents in Florida occurred in just 10 counties. When reviewing these 10 counties, Lee County ranked 4, and Collier County ranked 9. (Charlotte County was not ranked.) 

• Fatal Accidents 29
• Accidents with Injury 191
• Accidents without Injury 223      

To be considered “reportable boating accidents,” they must meet at least one of the following five criteria below:

• 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. 

FWC statistics show the two primary causes of boating accidents in Lee County were no proper look-out/inattention and excessive speed. In Collier County, the primary causes were no proper look-out/inattention and operator inexperience. 

A statewide boating safety campaign was launched by the FWC, in association with the National Safe Boating Council, Bombardier Recreational Products, West Marine, and the U.S. Coast Guard: “The ‘Wear It Florida’ campaign encourages boaters to wear life jackets anytime they are on the water and educates boaters about the ease and convenience of inflatable life jackets. The campaign is designed to reach the public through a variety of methods including media events, exhibits, personal contacts, social media, radio and televised public service announcements.” 

“If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. There are no costs or fees until we get a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Boat Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.