People can be found in boats on the water at almost any time in the South, whether you’re working on a boat year-round, enjoying wake boarding in the summer, fishing in the spring, or duck hunting in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, it’s not always fun on the water, especially when it comes to boat wrecks. In 2020 there were nearly 4,000 injuries in the U.S. as a result of boating accidents and almost 800 deaths, which has progressively increased over the last 10 years.
The amount of boating accident injuries and deaths makes many of us wonder what the cause for this alarming number is. According to the United States Coast Guard, these are a few of the leading causes of boat wrecks.
Operator Inexperience:
The main job of the boat operator is to make sure the occupants of the boat as well as themselves and other boats around them are safe. When the operator is busy doing other things, they make mistakes like hitting other boats, objects, or people on the water. This doesn’t mean the operator can’t have fun, it just means to do so in a safe manor.
Intoxication
Much like driving drunk on the road is dangerous its also very dangerous on the water. Not only do you run the danger of hitting another boater or object you also have the risk of drowning if you were to fall overboard.
Lack of Safety Gear
Not having the proper safety gear on board can end poorly in case of emergency. The main safety gear to have is a life jacket for each person on board. A few other objects you should carry on board is a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, visual and sound devices, and a cell phone or radio.
Ignoring Weather
Always check the weather before heading out on the water. The last situation you want to be in is stuck out in a boat during a storm. This results in people falling overboard, boats capsizing, or much worse.
Remember to stay safe out on the water and if you do find yourself in a boating accident, be sure to call authorities first, then seek medical attention if needed, followed by calling an experienced boating accident attorney. Avoiding these common causes of boat wrecks is crucial in order to stay safe out on the water.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boat wreck, contact the experienced personal injury firm of Chhabra & Gibbs. We have a team of lawyers standing by to help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call 601-948-8005 for a Free consultation. For more safety tips visit msinjurylaw.com.
