Five Essential Boating Safety Tips
Whether you prefer lakes or rivers, there are so many ways to enjoy boating throughout Kansas and Missouri. From motorboats to sailboats to personal watercraft, thousands of people hit the water for recreation and relaxation. Although boating is generally safer than driving a car, accidents do happen. To help you and your family stay safe on the water, the boat accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group share five essential boating safety tips.
Boating Safety Tips From a Boat Accident Lawyer
The personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group have successfully represented many boating accident victims from Kansas and Missouri. While some accidents are unavoidable due to the negligence or recklessness of others, many accidents can be prevented by following some simple safety tips. Our boat accident attorneys recommend the following boating safety tips in order to maximize your safety on the water.
Check the Weather
Before you head out onto the water, there are two things that you should two. The first is checking the weather. Look at the hourly forecast for the time you expect to be on the water. Add an extra hour or two to be safe. If conditions are clear then move onto the next step. If inclement weather is coming then consider canceling your trip. You do not want to be on the water if weather conditions make navigation difficult or can leave you stranded.
Check Your Boat’s Condition
Now that you’re sure that you’ll have clear weather, the next step is making sure that your boat is in order. This is especially important for motorboats. Give all your equipment a thorough look to make sure that everything is in working order and that you have enough fuel for your trip. Being sure that your boat’s gear is operating properly can help you avoid a burn injury or electrocution injury.
Know Your PFD Laws
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are an essential part of boating safety. In many cases, they can be the difference between staying safe and drowning. Ideally, you’ll have one PFD for every passenger on your boat. It’s important to note that each state has different standards and requirements for PFDs. For example, in Missouri children under the age of seven are required to wear a life jacket whenever they are on a boat. In Kansas, children 12-years old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times when on board a boat or being towed behind a boat on skis, a wakeboard, or a tube.
Always Have a Sober Driver
Many people enjoy alcoholic beverages while relaxing on the water. However, it’s important to always have a sober driver. Drinking and boating is every bit as serious as drinking and driving. In some respects, it can be even more deadly since some watercraft offer minimal protection and getting emergency help on the water can be difficult. The best way to avoid an alcohol-related boating accident is to make sure that you have a designated driver.
Avoid Distractions While Operating a Boat
Similar to car accidents, one of the fastest growing causes of boating accidents is distracted driving. It can be easy to get caught up in gorgeous scenery or conversations with friends. However, your first priority should be keeping everyone on your watercraft safe. This means focusing on the water and surrounding conditions. If need be, put away your phone and turn down the music so that you can focus on safety.
Share These Boating Safety Tips
The boat accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group hopes that you’ve found these boating safety tips useful. Please share them with any family or friends that have boats in order to increase everyone’s safety. Should you get into a boat accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another party then contact us for immediate assistance.
Patterson Legal Group has more than 75 years of combined experience representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. While our team is proud of the superior case results we’ve won for our clients, we’re also proud to treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve. Give us a call at (888) 687-2400 or contact us through the Internet via LiveChat and you’ll quickly discover why we’ve become one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in the Midwest.
