Florida Boating Safety Tips

Although there is always warm weather in sunny South Florida, summer time is the time to be out on the ocean, intercostal waterway, or one of Florida’s many lakes, and streams. Of course, we must remember to maintain safe boating practices and abide by all laws, as these laws are intended to keep all boaters safe.

Statistics provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement demonstrate that in 2011, there were 431 total injuries throughout the state, out of the 922,491 registered vessels. If you have been injured in a boating accident contact one of our skilled personal injury attorneys near West Palm Beach today to find out your legal rights. The most common types of injuries out of these included:

• Lacerations 97 Total
• Broken Bones 82 Total
• Contusions 74 Total
• Head Injury 45 Total
• Back Injury 37 Total
• Burns 17 Total
• Sprain/Strain 14 Total
• Neck Injury 11 Total
• Hypothermia 10 Total

Of course, boating is intended to be a fun activity, thus, we have gathered some useful information about boating safety. These simple tips will help you avoid being injured, or worse, becoming involved in a fatal boating accident.

Some Florida boating safety tips include:

Boat Safety Check having a member of the Coast Guard perform a safety check will help you navigate easily during bad situations. Best of all, these safety checks are free.

Boating Safety Class boating safety classes are usually required in order for an individual to operate a vessel. In fact, 70% of boating accidents are attributed to an operator error, so we can reduce this amount by taking the class.

Life Jackets the U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved over 80% of boating fatality victims. Although not required to be worn at all times, it is highly encouraged to keep yourself safe. It is required to have at least one life jacket for every person on board.

Maintenance it is advised to look over your motor before going out on the water. This will ensure everything is running efficiently and all fluid levels are topped off.

Personal Items this can include hats, sunscreen, and any other items you may require while out on the water.

Food and Water it is advised to have enough food and water for everyone on board, and also enough in case the boat fails and you need to wait for assistance to arrive.

At Gordon & Partners, our personal injury attorneys believe that if you or a family member has been injured due to the negligent actions of another individual, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses and damages. To learn more about how our experienced West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys can help you in your situation, contact us at 1 (855) 722-2552 today or complete the Free Case Review form on this page.