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Your Boat Capsizes But Remains Afloat, What Should You Do?

boat accident

Boating is a favorite pastime for many in the Chicago area, including on scenic Lake Michigan, Flatfoot Lake, Maple Lake, and others. However, there are many boating accidents in the state, including 21 boaters who died in boating accidents in 2020.

A common problem in boating injuries and deaths is the boat capsizing in bad weather or for other reasons. This is a severe emergency. But if you keep your head and follow the advice below, the situation can be resolved safely. If you were injured in a recent boating accident, our Lake County personal injury lawyer at The Law Office of Robert T Edens can help today.

Why Do Boats Capsize?

Most capsizing cases involve small boats, about 10% being eight-foot crafts. Other standard capsized boats are 15 to 19 feet long, representing 40% of all cases. Many of these boats are for fishing, and the cockpits are hard to drain, frequently on the water in bad weather, and carry too much gear.

Also, many boats capsize because of improper weight distribution. Boats in the 15 to 19-foot range are often the most susceptible to capsizing because of poor weight distribution. All it can take is one person too many on the boat to cause the boat to flip in rough water. Other common causes of capsizing boats are leaks and piloting the boat at an unsafe speed during turns.

Steps To Take If Your Boat Capsizes but Remains Afloat

A capsized boat is one of the most stressful emergencies a boater can encounter. Yet in many cases—especially with small recreational boats, sailboats, and vessels with built-in flotation—the boat will turn over but remain afloat. When this happens, your actions in the first few minutes can determine whether you and your passengers stay safe until help arrives. The key is to remain calm, act methodically, and follow proven safety steps. Below are the essential actions to take if your boat capsizes but does not sink.

1. Stay Calm and Account for Everyone

The initial shock of capsizing can disorient even experienced boaters. Before doing anything else, take a deep breath and remain calm. Panic leads to poor decisions and wasted energy.

Immediately:

  • Check that everyone is conscious and above water 
  • Call out to confirm each person’s location 
  • Make sure no one is trapped under the overturned hull 
  • Assist anyone who cannot swim or appears injured

If anyone is under the boat, guide them toward the air pocket that usually forms beneath the hull and help them out from under it as quickly as possible.

2. Stay With the Boat

One of the most important rules of survival at sea is to stay with your vessel. A floating boat—whether upright or overturned—is far easier for rescuers to spot than a person in the water. Even a partially submerged hull provides flotation and a visual target for search teams.

Do not attempt to swim to shore unless it is extremely close, conditions are safe, and all members of your group are strong swimmers. In open water or uncertain distance, staying with the boat is the safest option.

3. Put On Life Jackets (or Secure Them More Firmly)

If you were not already wearing a life jacket, this is the moment to put one on. Many boating accidents escalate sharply when passengers attempt to tread water or cling to the hull without proper flotation.

If life jackets are floating nearby:

  • Gather them immediately 
  • Assist children, elderly individuals, or weak swimmers first 
  • Strap them on properly, securing all buckles

If the boat’s emergency gear is intact, gather floating items such as cushions, coolers, or lines to increase group flotation.

4. Climb Onto the Hull If Possible

With the boat upside-down or partially rolled, the hull often remains right at the surface. Climbing onto the hull helps:

  • Reduce the risk of hypothermia 
  • Keep you visible to rescuers 
  • Conserve energy 
  • Avoid injuries from debris or marine life

If you cannot climb fully onto the hull, position yourself so you can hold onto a secure point, keeping your chest and head above water as much as possible.

5. Check for Emergency Supplies and Distress Signals

Some safety equipment may float free as the boat overturns. Look for:

  • Waterproof VHF radios 
  • Flares or signaling devices 
  • Emergency beacons (EPIRB or PLB) 
  • Whistles, mirrors, or strobe lights

If your emergency position-indicating radio beacon is reachable, activate it immediately. Even simple items such as brightly colored cushions can help you attract attention.

6. Right the Boat (If Safe and Appropriate)

Certain small sailboats, dinghies, or lightweight motorboats can be righted with proper technique. Before attempting this, consider:

  • The sea conditions 
  • The strength and skill of your group 
  • Whether righting the boat creates additional risk 
  • Whether the boat might capsize again

If you can right the vessel safely:

  • Move together to one side 
  • Use the centerboard or exposed edge for leverage 
  • Work as a team to roll the boat back upright

Once upright, bail water using buckets, bilge pumps, or even cupped hands.

7. Conserve Energy and Prepare for Rescue

Once the immediate danger stabilizes, shift focus to endurance and visibility. To conserve energy:

  • Huddle together to maintain body heat 
  • Keep movement minimal 
  • Use clothing or gear to shield from wind and sun 
  • Periodically check on weaker or colder individuals

Signal passing boats, aircraft, or rescuers using reflective objects, bright colors, radios, or flares.

8. Stay Positive and Alert

Mental attitude plays a major role in survival situations. Staying calm, confident, and observant increases your chances of rescue. Rescuers often locate overturned boats long before spotting swimmers.

Contact Our Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer

A capsized boat is frightening, but when the vessel remains afloat, your chances of survival are high—especially if you stay with the boat, put safety first, and follow a clear sequence of steps. By preparing before you launch and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can significantly improve the outcome for yourself and your passengers.

If you were in a boat accident because of someone’s negligence, you have legal options and could be eligible for compensation in a claim or lawsuit. Contact our Lake County personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. for assistance with your boat accident case at (847) 395-2200.

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How Severe Must Back Injuries Be For Personal Injury Compensation?

Back InjuriesIrrespective of their severity, back injuries can be quite painful and can last for months, if not years. These can occur in almost any work environment. The symptoms can range from mild to chronic pain that can make your job extremely difficult, if not impossible. This includes negligent parties who were at fault for your injury. So your back injury doesn’t have to be serious to be eligible for a personal injury claim.

If you are denied compensation from your employer, an Antioch spinal cord lawyer can ensure you can recover damages.

Types of Back Injuries You Can Claim As Personal Injuries

Some of the common types of back injuries that you can file a claim for include the following:

Back Injuries Resulting From Twisting, Lowering, and Lifting

Lifting and lowering heavy objects can strain your back. With time, the sprain can turn into a serious injury. If you do this regularly and feel a sharp pain in your back every time you twist, you should get yourself checked out.

Back Injuries from Prolonged Standing or Sitting

If you type for hours every day or have a job where you stand for the whole day, your back is suffering. If you wear a heavy tool belt all day, you can injure your back seriously unless your employer is proactive enough to prevent it. Since your work can result in injuries, your boss is responsible for your safety.

Spinal Fractures from Falls or Accidents

Spinal fractures and injuries are common on construction sites that do not take safety seriously. These injuries can prove life-threatening or can lead to permanent paralysis.

Herniated disc

The jelly-like fluid between the discs of our spinal cord prevents them from rubbing against one another. With time and repetitive work (such as typing for hours), the fluid can escape its confines because of a rupture. The result is severe back pain which can prevent you from working and maintaining the quality of life you are used to.

Anterior Cord Syndrome

ACS is a serious spinal cord injury that can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. The condition compromises the sensory pathways that connect the spinal cord to your body. Besides mobility loss, you can also experience other complicated symptoms.

A Chicago spinal cord lawyer will tell you that you need to prove that your back injury is work-related to be eligible for compensation. If it occurred because of something you were doing for your employer, you should not pay out of pocket for your medical bills. Whether the injury occurred on the worksite or off, you are eligible if it occurred because of work.

Illinois Back Injury Statistics

Back injuries rank among the most frequently occurring workplace and personal injuries in Illinois, impacting thousands of residents annually. These injuries can arise from a variety of sources, including workplace accidents, motor vehicle collisions, or even daily activities like lifting, twisting, or bending. The consequences of back injuries often extend beyond immediate physical discomfort, leading to chronic pain, loss of income, and the potential for long-term disability that can significantly affect individuals’ quality of life.

Prevalence of Back Injuries in Illinois

Every year, Illinois witnesses a high volume of back injury cases, particularly in industries known for their physically demanding tasks, such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, back injuries constitute a significant proportion of workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders, which affect the muscles and skeleton. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that back injuries rank among the top causes of missed workdays. With thousands of cases documented each year, these injuries present a serious concern for both employees and employers.

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Various factors contribute to the high incidence of back injuries throughout Illinois, including:

Workplace Strain – Many jobs require heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or awkward postures, which can lead to muscle strain or spinal injury. In industries like construction, workers often lift heavy materials or equipment without adequate training, increasing their risk of injury.

Car Accidents – Illinois has one of the busiest road networks in the country, leading to thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year. Many of these collisions result in back and spinal injuries, which can range from minor strains to severe trauma requiring extensive medical intervention.

Slip and Falls – The likelihood of slipping or falling increases in environments with wet floors, icy sidewalks, and uneven surfaces. Such falls can result in serious back injuries, particularly among elderly populations or those with pre-existing conditions.

Sports and Recreational Activities – Engaging in high-impact sports or physical activities can heighten the risk of back injuries. Athletes, especially younger individuals, may push their bodies beyond safe limits, leading to acute injuries such as sprains or chronic conditions like disc degeneration over time.

The Financial and Health Impact of Back Injuries

Back injuries can incur substantial long-term medical expenses that encompass everything from initial physician visits to ongoing treatments like physical therapy, surgical procedures, and pain management. The National Safety Council has reported that workplace injuries, including back-related incidents, cost businesses millions of dollars each year due to lost productivity, workers’ compensation claims, and associated medical costs. Moreover, individuals suffering from back injuries may face not only physical limitations but also emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression related to their health and financial stresses.

Prevention and Treatment

To mitigate the risk of back injuries, both individuals and employers should adopt comprehensive strategies that include:

Practicing Proper Lifting Techniques – Education on safe lifting practices can help workers avoid unnecessary strain. This includes bending knees instead of at the waist, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting movements while lifting.

Implementing Ergonomic Solutions – Employers should invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment, including adjustable chairs, desks, and tools designed to reduce strain on the back and enhance overall comfort during work.

Encouraging Regular Exercise – Engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises can improve spinal health and overall physical resilience. Activities such as yoga or specific strength training can help build core stability, which supports the back.

Stressing the Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

Individuals experiencing ongoing or severe back pain should promptly seek medical evaluation to address possible underlying issues and prevent long-term complications. As Illinois continues to face an increasing number of back injury cases, enhancing awareness and adopting preventative measures remains vital. By understanding the statistics, common causes, and risks, individuals and employers can take proactive steps to safeguard their health and well-being. Recognizing the importance of prevention, timely treatment, and education can ultimately lead to a healthier workforce and community

Contact Our Back Injury Attorneys in Antioch for Legal Consultation

If you or someone you know got injured on the job and are suffering and paying their medical bills because their employer refused to, contact our Antioch back injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens by dialing (847) 395-2200 today. We understand how debilitating these injuries can be and help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t suffer just because your claim was denied. Take action now and get in touch with us for a free consultation on legal options.

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What Types Of Boats Are Most Susceptible To Capsizing?

capsizing boatsWhen you are out to sea, and your boat capsizes, there is nothing you can do but wait to be rescued. Capsizing boats are quite common, but you can prevent a deadly mistake if you know which type is likely to sink.

Types of Boats That Are Likely To Capsize

Small boats such as canoes, kayaks, and sailboats are more likely to capsize than heavy-bottomed boats. This is because the latter becomes unstable easily on the water since they have a weight limit. That doesn’t mean larger boats cannot capsize at all. To know that any boat can go under, you only have to see how the HMHS Britannic sank.

However, unlike a large boat that sinks quickly, a smaller capsizing boat usually remains afloat, so it provides survivors with a makeshift raft as they wait to be rescued. Kayaks and canoes can also be flipped right side up by a single person, and even a sailboat can be righted with several people.

In other words, while small boats are more likely to sink than larger ones, you have higher chances of surviving the former than the latter.

Why Weight Matters

Weight distribution and amount are responsible for capsizing boats more than anything else. Here are some ways how:

  • Older boats gain weight over the years as they store more gear or as the hull absorbs water.
  • Small boats can capsize easily even if you bring an extra person or a loaded cooler on board.
  • Cockpit drains can flood if the boat is overloaded, which in turn can make it capsize.

Most 20-feet boats need floatation and a capacity plate that shows the amount of weight they can carry without submerging. The boat will capsize even in calm waters if you exceed those limits. Operators will also ticket you for exceeding weight limits.

‘Underway seating positions’ determine safe passenger loads on small boats. For example, two slim adults who want to take five children on a boat designed to accommodate four people are playing with lives. Even if the total weight is lower than the boat’s capacity, anything can happen to tip the scales.

Weight distribution is also as important as the number of people on board. If several people rush to one side of the boat to see dolphins, for example, the boat will tip to that side and take on water. Capsizing will be imminent.

Contact Robert Edens for a Boating Accident Case

If you have been in a boating accident and suffered damages, you deserve compensation either from the at-fault party or the insurance company. Get in touch with boating accident watercraft lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a consultation regarding your legal options today.

We have been representing boating accident victims such as you for the past 20 years and are proficient in personal injury cases. The other party and their insurance company are working to deny your claim as we speak. Don’t wait. Contact our team of professionals to protect your rights. We will ensure you get the money you deserve so you don’t have to pay for damages out of pocket.