Boating is one of the favorite activities of many Southern California residents but when done unsafely, it can lead to serious boating accidents. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we have often covered the steps you can take to reduce boating accidents. Today we are going to discuss some things you should avoid to in order to stay safe on the water. Remember that you can contact us at 800-333-0000 if you are injured in a boating accident and need a free legal consultation.
- Do Not Boat While Intoxicated
- Do Not Boat When Visibility is Reduced or Will Be Reduced
- Do Not Leave the Shore without Safety Equipment
Boating while intoxicated is dangerous for the same reason driving while intoxicated is dangerous – it can lead to serious accidents. Intoxication reduces a person’s reaction time, reduces their decision-making skills, and can affect their ability to see. All of these issues can easily spell disaster on the water. If you plan to drink while you are boating, you will need to designate a designated driver for the boat or simply stay at the dock to drink.
You can’t boat safely if you can’t see where you are going. If it is raining or you’re dealing with fog, do not go out on the water. Check the weather report before going out to find out if rain or fog is expected. If it is, do not go out. If you are out on the water and you come across rain or fog, make sure your lights are on and stay put until you can see to safely boat again.
Having the right safety equipment on board is not just common sense – it’s the law. You are required by California law to have one life jacket for each person who is on your boat. There are many other safety devices we would recommend, such as a throwable flotation device to help if someone falls overboard, a fire extinguisher, a distress flag, and a radio to call for help.
Avoiding These 3 Actions Does Not Guarantee You Will Not Be Involved in an Accident
Of course, just because you avoid these three behaviors does not mean that you will not end up injured in a boating accident. If you are injured, then your first step should be to get medical attention. Once you have done so and are safe, then it is time to contact a personal injury attorney.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we have the experience and expertise you need. We will carefully consider your case and offer you legal advice on how you should proceed. This is all part of your free consultation when you contact us at 800-333-0000.
