5 Ways To Prevent Boating Accidents From Happening In SW Florida
Corbin Sutter
Boating Accidents
Locals and tourists can’t stay away from the water too long and among the different water activities there are available, boating is one of the most popular hobbies. We understand the excitement and fun that comes with boating, however, people tend to be more lax and carefree that they forget to exercise caution when out on the waters. Carelessness combined with the unpredictable external factors such as the weather can lead to boating accidents.It is impossible to tell when an accident will happen but it is within our power to help prevent it from happening and to keep you safe as much as possible. If you are about to go out and enjoy boating, be sure to remember the following:
• Wear Appropriate Safety Gear - Boats and other water vessels should have life jackets available for the passengers to wear. Floaters and first-aid kits can also usually be found as well as rescue kits like whistles and flashlights. When checking for safety gear, you should also make sure that they are functional and that everyone on board gets one. No life jackets should be missing.
• Avoid Intoxication - Boating is not that much different from driving on the road and so the rules about driving while intoxicated also applies here. If you had too much to drink, it is best to skip the activity until you are feeling better.
There are a lot of dangerous scenarios that can happen involving drunk passengers and boat drivers, like drowning or being unable to control the boat properly. This endangers not only the intoxicated driver but also the other boat passengers.
• Check The Weather Forecast - It may be bright and sunny in the morning but the weather can change quickly in a blink of an eye. Getting caught in the middle of a heavy downpour while out at sea is very dangerous. That is why before you set out, listen to the weather forecast and make some observations yourself. Know if there are chances of rainfall and around what time it will happen during the day.
• Never Overload Your Boat - Your boats may seem sturdy and you might find a lot of space left but this should not tempt you from inviting more passengers on board. Boats have a limited number capacity for good reason and going beyond it can put everyone at risk. Overloading can cause your boat to sink.
Exercising caution is important in everything that we do. Boating is a fun activity and it would be best if we wouldn’t damage our experiences with tragedies. However, if the inevitable happens, boating accidents lawyers can help you take the next steps towards recovery and getting the medical and financial assistance you might need.