Boating is a fun and family-friendly activity. Especially in the summertime, hundreds of boats are seen on seas, oceans, and lakes. If a family enjoys a good outdoor adventure, then boating should be on the top of their to-do list. Take note that some boating trips are only within the day, while some last for a couple of days.
As fun as this activity may be, however, it also possesses some risks; boating accidents and injuries are very common. This is why before heading out on the trip, it's important to have all your necessary safety gear and first aid kit ready. When you're far from the safety of land, you want to apply safety precautions to avoid injuries from escalating.
That said, there are also many ways for you to ensure that you can at least avoid boating accidents and injuries. Some of these means are as follows:
1. Always Stay Sober
When you're out boating with your friends, it can be very tempting to go drunk. This is only the beginning of serious accidents that can potentially happen.
When you're having fun, you can have a drink or two. But, keep your limit. Think of your limit as if you were still going to drive a car afterward. You wouldn't want to be caught under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol is noted to be one of the leading causes of boating accidents and deaths. For instance, after enjoying a party on board and everyone gets drunk, they may not realize that one of them may have gone overboard.
Being drunk means that walking is going to be difficult. When you're in a boat, this is a recipe for serious accidents. Not only can you dangerously slip, but you can also fall off the boat.
If you're responsible for operating the boat, the more should you make the smart choice to stay away from alcohol. Else, if caught by the authorities violating this and causing danger to the lives of others, you’re going to need the help of a Miami boating accident attorney to help you navigate through your case.
2. Always Have Enough Life Jackets For Everyone
When the seas get rough, you must wear life jackets at all times, especially for children below thirteen years old.
The minimum safety standard to follow is never to board the boat when there aren't enough life jackets or personal floating devices for everyone. Also, do a quick check that all of the life jackets you're bringing are of good condition. You wouldn't want to be trapped in a situation where you're going to need to use the life jacket. Then, later on, you find out that one or some of these can't even be used.
Lives are going to be in danger by a simple mistake that could've been avoided. The injury that you cause others will definitely put you at great liability.
3. Check The Boat's Condition Before Going Off-Shore
Days before your scheduled boating activity, you may want to take that extra step of checking the boat's condition before going offshore. Ensure that the boat's condition is safe enough for sailing. Once you leave the shore, there's no turning back. If the engine suddenly fails, you're in for some trouble.
Apart from checking the engine, look through every nook and cranny of the boat, too. Check for any exposed hazards that you can still repair or work on. Also, make sure that all equipment is functioning well. For instance, even a simple problem, such as a broken sink, can mean wet floors, increasing the risks of slip and falls.
4. Never Operate The Boat If You're Not Skilled For It
When you're not skilled enough to operate a boat, then don't force it. Leave it in the hands of those who are trained and have the skill for it, especially when you're bringing with you a lot of people and children. Surely, you wouldn't want to put the lives of these people at risk.
Depending on where you're from and where you're boating, the laws may prohibit boating activities by those that aren't skilled to man a boat. You have to pass a required exam and possess the appropriate license.
If you're skilled and trained enough to operate a boat, it also pays to be mindful about the following factors:
• Vessel safety inspection
• Weather
• Safety equipment, such as fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector
• Boating navigational rules
• Speed and traffic
With the weather, for instance, once you see even the slightest trace of any storm, it’s best to return to shore immediately. Don't wait until it's too late, and you may have to call for rescue.
As to speed, remember that you're not going on a race. As much as you'd love to feel the thrill of it unless you're in a jet ski or a speedboat, it's important to be mindful of the speed. Keep in mind the condition of the water and the weather that you're sailing in.
When you pretend to be skilled in handling a boat and an accident occurs due to your negligence, a Miami Marina accident attorney is the right professional for you to approach.
5. Learn How To Load Passengers And Gear Correctly
It's very important to keep the weight well-distributed on board. This includes the very first step of anchoring the boat correctly so that passengers can safely go up and down the boat.
Once in the boat, you also have to distribute the weight well. Doing this step is very important, particularly when you're on a small boat. If the weight isn't well-distributed, this increases the risk of accidental capsizing of the boat.
Conclusion
When you're off to a great and fun boating adventure, everyone's safety is on the hands of everyone in the boat. From the younger kids to even the older ones, everyone has to do their part to ensure that injuries are avoided as much as possible.
Plenty of accidents on boating trips happen due to man's error, and not always by nature. So, when you aim to be prudent, careful, and safe, you're ensuring a higher probability of everyone's safety on board. That way, your boating trip can stay enjoyable and accident-free.
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