Summer Boating Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents

Summer Boating Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the demand for boats reached a 13-year high during the pandemic. Boat sales in 2021 were a whopping 30% higher than 2020 sales as families and individuals planned vacations and trips to the water in droves.

However, safety takes a back seat in anticipation of sun and surf. Hiring Grayslake personal injury lawyers should be a priority if you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident.

Boating Safety Tips That Can Keep Your Family Safe

To ensure you and your family remain safe on the water, follow these boating safety tips:

Don’t Drink and Boat

Like car drivers, boat operators can get into accidents on the water if they are drunk. The sun can intoxicate them, further leading to dehydration and heatstroke that can prove fatal. So make sure the person operating the boat doesn’t drink, remains hydrated, and ap plenty of sunscreen on exposed skin.

Make Sure Everyone Has a Life Jacket On

A life jacket will be your only lifeline if your boat gets into an accident. Rather than dumping them in the boat, make sure you wear yours before boarding. If your boat capsizes, fear may blind you, and you may not be able to find your life jacket in time.

These are thin, comfortable, and made to accommodate different body types, so there is no excuse for ignoring them. Ensure each one is USCG-approved and of appropriate size for each person onboard the vessel. Boats that are 16 feet long or longer need to have a Type IV throwable device on board.

File a Float Plan

Before heading off from the dock, file a float plan with your loved ones on land and the marina. It should include the names of everyone on board, their contact information, the destination, planned itinerary, and stops along the route.

If you fail to return as per your float plan, your friends, family members, and the professionals at the marina can take action immediately. The information in the plan can facilitate search activity and increase your chances of being rescued sooner rather than later.

Monitor the Weather

Plan your boat trip according to the weather forecast. Check it beforehand so your boat isn’t caught in a storm and capsizes. Also, be wary of lightning, currents, changing tides, wind direction, and other weather conditions that can endanger you out on the water.

In the middle of the ocean, no one can hear you scream. Use these boating safety tips to ensure you have a great time out on sparkling seas without stressing over safety.

Contact the Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For Boating Accident Claims

If you get into an accident on a boat despite following these safety tips, hire Grayslake personal injury lawyers to recover damages from the boating service. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, we can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you suffered injuries or were stranded in the middle of the ocean for hours and suffered heatstroke, you should hold the service accountable. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

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