Boating is a fun recreational activity and many individuals own and drive ski boats, yachts, cruiser boats, fishing boats, and a variety of other watercraft. While boats can be a lot of fun, they can also be extremely dangerous. There are a variety of different ways that individuals can be injured on boats. Here is a list of some common boating accidents to be aware of:
Collisions: While probably one of the more obvious types of boating accidents, boating collisions are a serious risk in the boating world. According to the U.S. Coast Guard boating website, in 2012 there were at least 4,515 accidents involving boats on lakes, oceans and rivers and 651 deaths from these accidents.
The Coast Guard averages about 3,000 injuries and approximately $38 million dollars in damage from these collisions. The fatality rate for boating accidents rests at about 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vehicles. Thankfully, this is a decrease from the high fatality rate of 6.2 per 100,000 boats last year, but there is certainly still room for improvement. According to statistics, the most common vessels reported in accidents are personal watercraft, cabin motorboats, and open motorboats.
Drowning: While somewhat connected with collisions, many of the victims of boating accidents actually pass away when they drown in the water. This is why all vessels should be equipped with plenty of life jackets. According to reports, about 71% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned and about 85% of these victims were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
Crushing Accidents: Especially in lakes, boat passengers are at risk to crushing accidents. These occur when a person is swimming or waiting in the water, and another boater does not see the swimmer and runs over him or her. This can cause significant injuries or in some cases can even cause death. Oftentimes these crushing injuries can be prevented if boaters use a bright orange flag to signal to other boats that a passenger from their watercraft is currently in the water. It is important to observe this safety tactic in order to avoid this terrible possibility out on the water.
Propeller Lacerations: Another significant danger with most boats is a propeller laceration. Most boats use these small spinning propellers to move through the water at a fast speed. The propellers are sharp so that they are able to cut through the waters. When a passenger tries to reach under the boat while it is moving, or if a passenger chooses to dangle off of the back, he or she runs this risk of being cut by these unforgiving propellers.
Activity Injuries: Recreational boating often includes activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, innertubing, and more. While these activities can be a lot of fun, they can also provide a lot of danger. If you have been injured in an activity of this kind, then you need to contact a lawyer at a local personal injury firm today for more information.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Another possibility with watercraft is carbon-monoxide poisoning. Most boats emit carbon monoxide when they are running. While the levels are normally tolerable, if a person stays too close to the back of the boat then the odorless and colorless gas can create complications and may cause illness. Those on houseboats should be particularly aware of this possibility, as the carbon monoxide can seep through the windows and into the living space.
Weather-related injuries: Lastly, some individuals may be injured due to a weather-related injury. If it is excessively windy on a lake or if the waves are particularly tumultuous in the ocean, then these can facilitate serious accidents and injuries.
If you are injured due to any of the above recreational boating activities and you believe that another party is liable for your injuries and the property damage, hire a personal injury attorney near you to represent you in your case today!