In just one year, the coast guard reports over 4,000 boating accidents. Boats are statistically safer than cars, though some may avoid safety precautions put in place. Common boating accidents are often related to operator errors or alcohol. There are many common causes as well as plenty of ways to avoid boating accidents.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

There are some situations that can be unavoidable, but there are many that can be avoided with proper preparation.

Operator Inattention

An inattentive operator can cause an accident. While on water, it is very important for the operator and proper lookouts to pay attention to the surroundings. There can be swimmers, rocks, or other boats in the area. Not paying attention to other things in the water will lead to an accident.

Operator Inexperience

A new operator may have some troubles operating a boat alone for the first time. Someone with no experience will have even more trouble. Having little to no experience while boating alone can lead to mistakes like getting lost in poor light conditions and navigation errors.

Excessive Speed

People tend to speed while driving, so it is not strange to want to go fast on the water as well. Speeding on the water can lead to an accident in the same way that it would on land. It is harder to react by slowing or coming to a stop, which may lead to needing to swerve out of the way.

Alcohol use

Alcohol is a leading cause of boating accidents. Alcohol use tends to lead to accidental drownings. The legal limit for alcohol is the same for boaters in some states, but it is overall safer to avoid drinking.

Machinery Failure

Boat maintenance is crucial, so any failure to do overall checks of the boat could lead to not noticing that something is wrong with the boat. A part may need to be replaced or the boat may not have enough gas for the trip.

Weather and Hazardous Waters

Boat operators are supposed to check weather conditions before disembarking. There may be an incoming storm or heavy rain. This will make water conditions difficult to travel in. Ignoring weather conditions can lead to issues on the water. It may lead to the boat traveling into hazardous waters. This may be a shallow area or an area with sharp rocks that would ruin the underside of the boat, causing problems. Large and forceful waves are another thing the boat may run into. These waves could flip the boat or fill it with water, causing issues that would lead to a more severe situation.

Violating Navigational Laws

There are rules to boating in the same way that there are rules to driving. Not knowing these laws or violating them can cause injuries and accidents, nonfatal and fatal.

Avoiding Boating Accidents

There are many ways to avoid a boating accident, and it all starts with proper preparation. This typically means that someone is making sure there is proper safety equipment on the boat. Life jackets, safety flotation devices, and first aid emergency supplies are some things that should be onboard before leaving into the water. Maintaining the boat and safety equipment will also make the trip less risky.

As an operator, it is important to go through a boat safety course in order to learn all the rules and safety guidelines. While driving the boat, it is important to follow all navigation and boating laws and guidelines. Not everything can be prepared for, so keeping an eye on the water can help to avoid any additional issues.