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Florida boating is one of the many enjoyments of our lives. Whether it’s just a day of sightseeing, fishing, or other activities, Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney Randall Spivey urges boaters to make boating safety a priority.

At a May 2022 media briefing, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said, “Safety begins at the dock.” He stressed that knowing one’s surroundings was an important first step for boaters in staying safe. Lee County has 600 miles of shoreline and waterways which make Lee County number three out of 67 counties for the largest number of registered boaters, with over 50,000 registered boaters.

When recent incidents of people drowning in and around Southwest Florida waterways occurred, it became even more apparent that boaters should always wear life jackets.

• On April 12, a 19-year-old Lehigh Acres resident was one of two people falling overboard from a tandem kayak on the Estero River. Only one person survived.
• On May 8, a man from Indiana drowned while on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers.

Boating accidents are often caused by the following:

• The lack of safety training on the part of boat operators has caused more than 75 percent of deaths.
• Alcohol use is the primary cause of 15 percent of deaths on our waterways.
• Propeller accidents cause devastating injuries and deaths.
• Careless operators who create large waves can be dangerous to other boats in the area.
• Passengers may be thrown from a boat because of careless operation.
• Inexperienced boaters who do not carry the required safety equipment, including life jackets, cause many boating accidents and injuries to themselves and their passengers.

The U.S. Coast Guard has the following tips to keep boaters safe on Florida’s waters:

• Leave a float plan ashore with a trusted source.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Request a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• Do not drink and boat.
• Wear a life jacket.
• Hydrate: always carry plenty of clean, cool water.
• Download the USCG Boating Safety app for both veteran and inexperienced boaters.
• Be prepared and responsible: Check and consistently re-check weather forecasts, as they can change quickly on the water. Review nautical charts. Know where navigation markers are and be aware of areas of shallow water and areas that are congested with other boats and swimmers.
• Find a paddling safety course for kids, and other public education classes, via the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• Be attentive. Operator inexperience and inattention are other leading contributors to boating accidents.
• Bring extra life jackets. Federal law says there must be one life jacket for everyone on board.
• Be aware of other boaters. Just because you can see them doesn't mean they see you.
• Carry flares and fire extinguishers, and make sure they are operational before getting underway. 

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Diego Gonzales from the Ft. Myers Beach base reminds boaters to use an Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that can help the Coast Guard find a boater’s location in an emergency.

Should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of a boat operator, you may be entitled to receive compensation for such losses as present and future accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Seeking legal advice from Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. immediately after seeking medical treatment is crucial to preparing your personal injury lawsuit. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. Please contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com.