Summer boating season is almost here
With summer boating season just around the corner it is an appropriate time to remind readers that boating safety is fairly simple. In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard stated that 4,604 boating accidents resulted in 672 deaths, 3,153 injuries and about $35.5 million in property damage. It is often the case the injuries and death can be prevented by simple safety measures:
- Always make sure that each person has and is wearing a certified life jacket
- Alcohol is one of the top contributors to boating and water accidents.
- Operator inattention and inexperience are also among the top five causes of accident according to the Coast guard, so make sure you have an experienced boater piloting your watercraft.
- Always make sure you have a “float plan” given to friends and family members so if something goes wrong, people know where to look.
- Always know the weather conditions and be prepared for any potential hazards.
As always, boating safety is simple, and a few moments of thought can prevent many problems before they happen.
