Boating Accidents

The United States Coast Guard keeps annual statistics for recreational boat accidents.  In a typical year, there are as many as 6,000 boat accidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. There are even more vessels involved in collisions and accidents across the country. Although many people use watercraft such as jet skis, private and commercial boats, and other watercraft for transportation or enjoyment, accidents can turn these vessels deadly on lakes or oceans.

Most boating accidents are entirely preventable. Many collisions and accidents involving personal watercraft and other vessels are caused by negligence, intoxication, equipment failure, inadequate training, or weather and water conditions. Inexperience or  error by persons operating the vessels also cause collisions. Under Florida law, boating operators and boat owners must conduct their vessels with great responsibility and care  to insure that swimmers, other boats, boat passengers, and others are not injured or killed.

According to experts, there are many reasons why boating accidents caused by intoxication are so hard to prevent. They include:

1. Lack of awareness to the dangers of boating while intoxicated.

2. Conditions on the water may aggravate the effects of alcohol. Sun, wind and vibration may enhance the effects of alcohol.

3. Intoxication may create an inner ear imbalance, making it difficult for a person who has been drinking to commandeer a vessel. This can lead to accidents or drowning.

4. Inexperience. Even experienced boaters are more confident in cars than in boats, since they spend many more hours driving than directing a boat.

5. Boating conditions may lead to dehydration.

State, local, and federal authorities have made a priority of boating patrols in Florida waterways. Citations and enforcement for violations are common on Florida waters. Authorities and the media are making a greater effort to warn boaters about the dangers of boating while intoxicated. These efforts result in the prevention and cutting down on the number of boating accidents

If you or someone you know has been injured in a boat accident, contact Michael Todd Rebuck, P.A. We are a Personal Injury firm located in Palm City, Florida. We represent boating accident survivors and victims’ families, and can offer the help they need to recover from the accident.