Actual-Facts Preventing Boating Accidents Articles | Boating

By: Kathryn Ali

Types of Boating Accidents

Boating is one of the most popular activities to engage in during the summer months.  Unfortunately, many people suffer injuries as a direct result from boating accidents.  There are over 8,000 boating accidents that take place each year and of those, approximately 5,000 result in serious injury.  The best way to be safe when boating, is to use preventive measures to ensure that you won’t succumb to a boating accident.

Capsizing, fire, flooding, someone falling overboard, sinking, and flooding causes the main types of boating accidents.  Also, many boating accidents occur when boats collide into other boats, as well.  It is important to realize that boating accidents are very serious and often result in serious injury.  Therefore it is important to understand that it is much easier to prevent boating accidents, as opposed to dealing with their aftermath.

Causes of Boating Accidents

Some of the most prevalent causes of boating accidents include alcohol use, equipment failure, boating too fast, not paying attention while boating, boating in treacherous waters, having too many passengers on your boat, and not staying centered in the boat.  It is extremely important to make sure that you thoroughly check all equipment before boating, and ensure that it is in proper working order.

Steps to Take to Prevent Boating Accidents

First, you should realize that every state has different boating laws.  Some states will even suspend your automobile driving privileges for boating violations, therefore you need to fully understand your state’s boating laws before you hit the water.  Never operate your boat while under the influence of alcohol.  To prevent accidents, you must be fully alert, aware, and pay attention to your surroundings.  This is impossible to accomplish for anyone who has been drinking.

You should also make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on your boat.  This includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, and making sure that you properly maintain the fuel system to prevent the chance of fire.

Prevent Your Boat From Capsizing

To prevent your boat from capsizing, or from someone falling overboard, take steps to load the boat correctly.  First, make sure that your boat is properly secured to the dock before loading.  You should also ensure that all of your passengers are wearing life jackets before they board the boat.  You should have one hand on the boat and the other hand on the pier and lower yourself into the middle or center of the boat.  Once you are in the boat, keep to the center.  Never enter the boat holding objects.  Have someone hand you the items and stay center.  This will prevent the boat from tipping over.  It is important to make sure that all weight is distributed evenly throughout the boat.  Another important precaution to take is to stay clear from the sides of the boat.  Accidents have occurred when people have leaned against or sat upon the sides of the boat, (the gunwale) and have accidentally fallen overboard. Also, make sure that all passengers on the boat never run around on the boat. This can cause the boat to capsize, so always keep to the center and stay low.  By following safety procedures and precautions, you can ensure that you will have a safe and enjoyable boating experience.