Top 6 Tips to Stay Safe on the Water
Last year, over 35 people died and hundreds more were injured in boating accidents, according to a recent article in the Palestine Herald.
National Safe Boating Week was May 20-26, but it’s important to make safe boating a priority all year long. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers several tips for staying safe on the water. To avoid becoming the victim of a boating accident, it’s wise to follow some basic rules.
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Never drink and boat.
Drinking while operating a boat isn’t just dangerous—it’s also illegal. In 2016, Texas game wardens arrested 155 people for “drinking and boating,” which can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Even if no one is injured, a conviction for boating under the influence of alcohol or other drugs may result in fines and the loss of your boating license.
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Wear a lifejacket.
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that 85 of drowning deaths may be prevented simply by wearing a personal floatation device (PFD). Children under age 13 are required to wear lifejackets while boating, but persons of any age may have their lives saved by these devices. If you’ve avoided wearing a PFD because you remember the bulky, unattractive floatation devices from your youth, look again: modern PFDs are much more comfortable, functional, and good-looking than their predecessors.
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Don’t assume any boat is too small.
Avoiding alcohol and embracing life jackets are important on bigger boats, but they’re essential for small boats like canoes and kayaks as well. As paddlesports become more popular, accidents and injuries among paddlesport enthusiasts have also increased. Taking care on the water can help you avoid injuries.
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Take a safety class.
Boater education courses are required for anyone in Texas operating a boat with a 15 horsepower or higher engine rating or a personal watercraft, if born after September 1, 1993. Boating safety courses can also help paddlers enjoy their time on the water and avoid injury. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains a list of free safety and boater education courses on its website.
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Check the weather.
Summer weather in Texas can be unpredictable, especially if you’re heading out to the coast. Before you decide to get in the boat, check the weather report. Carrying a waterproof weather radio in your boat can also help you stay aware of developing conditions. Never boat in stormy weather, particularly if lightning has been spotted in the area.
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Learn to swim.
If you cannot swim or are not confident in your swimming abilities, wearing a PFD while boating is a must. You can also help improve your own confidence and ability to protect yourself in the water by learning to swim. The American Red Cross offers swimming classes for all ages and ability levels throughout the state. Check their website for information.
If you’re injured in a boating accident, talk to an experienced Texas boating injury lawyer to learn more about how you can protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you need to put your life back on track. Contact our office at 361.LAWYERS (361-529-9377) today for a free initial case consultation.
