Safety Tips for Boating This Summer
Summer is the high boating season in Georgia, and when it comes to fun in the sun, it is hard for anything else to compete. Boating accidents, however, are often exceptionally dangerous, which makes the following safety tips critical to the safety of everyone on the waterway. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, seek the legal guidance of an experienced Cumming, Georgia, boating accident attorney today.
Educate Yourself
Don’t head out on the water unless the person manning the helm of the boat you're boarding has successfully completed a boating safety education course taught by certified boating safety instructors. If you’re the boat operator, this includes you.
Wear a Life Jacket
The fact is that life jackets save lives, and it is imperative that there are enough coast guard- approved life jackets (in the appropriate sizes) for everyone who is on the boat. Further, in order for your life jacket to help in the event of an accident, you need to wear it. The sad truth of boating is that the vast majority of boat accident fatalities are caused by drowning.
Alcohol Increases the Risk
The party atmosphere, which typically includes drinking, from many boat outings makes accidents due to boating under the influence more likely. Ensuring that you have a sober operator who doesn’t imbibe is key to safe boating.
Have and File a Float Plan
Let someone know your plans when you head out on a boat – whether it’s a friend, family member, and/or your marina – and include the following information in it:
- The name of everyone on board, including their contact information
- Your destination and planned itinerary (including any planned stops along the way)
- Your estimated return time
If you fail to return according to schedule, this float plan can help to instigate any necessary search activity in a timely manner.
Watch the Weather
With smartphones and weather apps, watching the weather has never been easier. Because bad weather can drastically affect your safety when you are boating, you should make weather watching part of your routine and always err on the side of safety.
Communicate Pre-Departure Safety Information
It’s important that the operator of the boat clearly communicates pertinent safety instructions and basic ground rules to everyone on the boat prior to every outing. This should include information about life jackets, access to throw cushions, the appointment of observers regarding oncoming boat traffic and watersports activities, and anything else relevant to general safety.
Don’t Exceed Capacity
Every boat has a maximum capacity that should never be exceeded. Know the boat’s capacity and stick to it.
Don’t Put off Consulting with an Experienced Cumming, Georgia, Boating Accident Attorney
The accomplished Cumming, Georgia, boating accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are committed to aggressively advocating for the compensation to which you are entitled and that you need to fully recover for the losses you’ve sustained. We are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 770-887-1209 today.