For the most part, boating is a safe and enjoyable pastime, but the importance of taking safety precautions cannot be overstated. When you’re out on the water, even a momentary lapse in judgment could lead to a serious accident. According to the US Coast Guard, more than 4,000 recreational boating accidents occur in the United States each year, resulting in over 500 deaths and almost 3,000 injuries. This guide from Schock Boats breaks down the most common causes of boating accidents, so you can learn how to avoid them!
Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol use contributes more to boating accidents than any other factor. Just like driving while intoxicated, boating while intoxicated is a serious crime, and it should be treated as such. The influence of drugs and alcohol can interfere with your vision, alertness, and reaction time, and it also impairs your judgment. All of these effects can have deadly consequences when you’re surrounded by water! As the boat operator, it is your responsibility to steer clear of drugs and alcohol and to make sure your passengers are drinking in a safe, responsible manner.
Inattention
Sure, boating can be a soothing and relaxing experience, but the boat operator should always stay alert and responsive. Daydreaming or getting distracted while operating your boat can easily lead to an accident. Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times, keeping an eye out for other vessels and any potential hazards in the area.
If you play music while boating, keep the volume low, and remember to use navigation lights when boating in times of reduced visibility. Your navigation lights will help you see other nearby vessels, and allow other vessels to see you.
Lack of Experience
Boating may not be rocket science, but there is definitely a learning curve. As a beginner boater, you should always make sure to stay within your limits. Stick to low-traffic bodies of water where you can practice the basics of boating without having to navigate around other vessels in close quarters. Many boating accidents result from inexperienced boaters going into situations that exceed their skill level, such as complex and crowded waterways.
Speeding
Speeding on the water is a little more complicated than it is on land. After all, there are no signs in the water to remind you of the speed limit – which will depend on the size of your vessel, your location, and your proximity to structures and other vessels. However, speeding on the water can have the same consequences as speeding on land: namely, collisions that can result in deaths, injuries, and property damage. Regardless of the speed limit at your boating destination, you should always slow down when there are obstacles and other vessels in the vicinity, and approach the harbor or marina at a slow, even pace.
Neglecting Boat Maintenance
Staying on top of boat maintenance is an important safety measure, as boats that are in poor condition are a lot more prone to accidents. If you fall behind on boat maintenance, you run the risk of having a serious malfunction that interferes with safety. For example, boats with faulty engines may come to a sudden stop, which can easily result in a collision. Neglecting to change the oil at the recommended intervals may even result in the engine catching fire. Make sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule found in your boat’s user manual, and never operate your boat when it needs to be repaired.
We hope you found this information useful! If you need more advice on boating safety, feel free to consult the team here at Schock Boats. Schock Boats is your trusted marine dealer in Huntington Beach, CA, near Costa Mesa.