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The 4^th of July weekend is approaching and many Floridians will be celebrating by taking their boats out on the water. According to a 2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission report, there were 961,266 registered vessels in Florida.

Florida continued to lead the nation in reportable boating accidents in 2019 with 723 accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard is providing safety tips for boaters. 

Life Jackets

Captain Matthew Thompson, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector St. Petersburg Sector Commander, wants boaters to make sure there are life jackets available for every person on board, especially for children, and that they fit securely on each person.

COVID-19

The USCG also wants boaters to follow Governor DeSantis’ coronavirus pandemic protocols to stay safe and stay protected.

BUI

Boating under the influence continues to be a problem for some boaters. The USCG has several boating under the influence initiatives. The USCG says, “BUI is just as deadly as drinking and driving!”

Did you know:

• A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a driver, drink for drink?
• The penalties for BUI can include large fines, revocation of operator privileges and serious jail terms?
• The use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities?

When a boater or passenger drinks, the following may occur:

• Cognitive abilities and judgment deteriorate, making it harder to process information, assess situations, and make good choices.
• Physical performance is impaired - evidenced by balance problems, lack of coordination, and increased reaction time.
• Vision is affected, including decreased peripheral vision, reduced depth perception, decreased night vision, poor focus, and difficulty in distinguishing colors (particularly red and green).
• Inner ear disturbances can make it impossible for a person who falls into the water to distinguish up from down.
• Alcohol creates a physical sensation of warmth - which may prevent a person in cold water from getting out before hypothermia sets in.

USGC tips for avoiding BUIs:

Consider these alternatives to using alcohol while afloat:

• Take along a variety of cool drinks, such as sodas, water, iced tea, lemonade or non-alcoholic beer.
• Bring plenty of food and snacks.
• Wear clothes that will help keep you and your passengers cool.
• Plan to limit your trip to a reasonable time to avoid fatigue. Remember that it's common to become tired more quickly on the water.
• Having no alcohol while aboard is the safest way to enjoy the water. Intoxicated passengers are also at risk of injury and falling overboard.
• Spread the word on the dangers of BUI. Many recreational boaters forget that a boat is a vehicle and that safe operation is a legal and personal responsibility.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. wish everyone a happy and safe 4^th of July weekend. Should you need our assistance during the weekend, or any other time, we are available 24/7. Our firm represents people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation,” said Randall Spivey, Fort Myers boat accident attorney.

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.