Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Boating: Making it Safer, Part B
Boating Safety
Another way to make boating safer is for all operators to follow the safety regulations and rules, as well as to keep safety equipment on their vessel.
Safely operating a vessel includes, but is not limited to:
- Driving at reasonable speeds
- Not causing wakes
- Only registered drivers operating the vessel
- Teaching children and other passengers boat safety procedures
Boating Safety Equipment
Safety equipment on the vessel can make it safer during a boating accident, storm, or other mitigating factor. Some items to have on your boat are:
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher – know how to use it too
- Life vests
- Compass or maps
- Flashlight
- Rope
- Bucket – able to be used for bailing out water
- Blanket – can be used if your clothes get wet
- Mirror – can be used for signaling
- Marine VHF radio or cell phone
- Spare parts and/or extra battery
- GPS – this can especially come in handy should you get lost while boating
Life or safety vests need to be provided for all passengers on the boat. You never know when a boating accident may occur, so it is important that there are always enough vests for all occupants.
Life vests should:
- Be US Coast Guard approved
- In good, serviceable condition
- Have no obvious flaws
- Be readily nearby on the vessel
- Be the proper size and style for the planned wearer
- Be inspected prior to use
- Be checked for recalls
Lastly, before going out boating, file a float plan. The float plan should include information about where you intend to be boating and should be provided to a friend or relative. If they have your plan and for some reason you do not return from your boating trip, at least someone will have a clue where to start the search.
Even if every boater follows all the safety wisdom and laws, accidents will still occur. Hopefully, by knowing the law, and having proper safety equipment on board, the severity of the injuries can be mitigated.
If you, or one of your loved ones, have been in a boating accident resulting in injury or death, through no fault of your own, contact a personal injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney to protect your rights in the case.
An experienced personal injury attorney at Kiley Law Group, LLP, will evaluate your case for FREE - 1-888-208-1695.
