Summer Boating Safety Tips

Summer is quickly approaching, and Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial beginning of boating season throughout Indiana. We’re here to remind you about a few boating safety tips to think about before you enjoy the open waters.

Being safe while boating is about being prepared for any situation that might arise.

Safety Devices

Always have and wear a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Each passenger on board should have a PFD. It’s always a good idea to have a throwable personal flotation device in the event someone falls overboard as well. Other safety items include a tow line, jumper cables, paddle, fire extinguisher, whistle, air horn, and flares.

Navigating the Boat

You are responsible for the safety of those on board your boat and the other boaters that share the waterways. Here are some laws and rules to know before boating:

• When intersecting with another boat’s path, the vessel on the right has the right of way
• Powerboats must yield to boats being rowed or paddled
• Stay well clear of all big vessels
• Be careful navigating through narrow waterways

Additionally boating under the influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving. According to the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Resource Center, the use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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