Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Children and Boating Safety (Part B)
Because children are developing physically and their swimming skills aren’t as strong as adults’, they are governed by special Massachusetts boating laws. Massachusetts requires children under 12 to wear a personal flotation device (PFD), or life jacket, at all times when on a boat. This applies to any type of vessel, including Grandpa’s fishing boat. Toy “life savers” and inflatable rafts are not acceptable; PFDs must be of Coast Guard-approved grade.
Special Boating Safety Concerns Regarding Small Children
When children are on board and a boating adventure is underway, it is up to parents to enforce boating safety laws. Children tend to move about, and accidents tend to become injuries fast on the water. Attentive parents can take steps to prevent capsizing, overboard falls and drowning.
Parents should enforce the following boating safety measures onboard:
- Safe distribution of weight, especially in small boats
- Seating restriction within safety zones
- Proper life jacket fit and use
Adults should demonstrate how to keep a low center of gravity when moving about a small boat, and how to arrange themselves for even weight distribution. Children should sit only in designated seats, within guardrails if applicable. Children should never be allowed to sit on an unprotected bow, gunwales or other risky surfaces. The increased chance of falls or serious child injuries are too great. To prevent drowning, PFDs must be secured, not hanging loosely.
Children appreciate becoming involved in boating safety. Parents can direct kids who want to spend time on the water to the “kidsite” sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council.
If your child is seriously injured in a Massachusetts boating accident, it’s important to contact an Andover child injury attorney to discuss your legal options for recovering compensation to help pay for your child’s medical treatments and other accident-related expenses.
For over 30 years Kiley Law Group located in Andover, Massachusetts, has fought on behalf of children. Our Boston child injury lawyers take time when speaking with you about your child’s injuries. Kiley Law Group works with you on a contingency basis, which means there are NO FEESunless our trained child injury attorneys win your case. Contact us today for a FREE legal consultation – (888) 208-1695
