As the weather continues to warm up, more and more California residents will begin going out on the water. Boating often proves to be a freeing and relaxing event, a popular way to spend time together outdoors. However, what many do not realize is that in order to enjoy time out on the water, it is important to be safe and responsible, taking precautions to make sure safety measures are in place to keep the waterways safe for everyone.
Brush up on boating safety tactics
National Safe Boating Week is one way the state tries to get people to freshen up their boating safety tactics before getting out on the water. While physical events are not being held this year, online resources have popped up to try to spread the same information.
The National Safety Council recommends the following safety tips for boaters when out on the water:
- Use common sense out on the water to protect passengers, other boaters and yourself
- Don’t drink and drive and beware of erratic or dangerous driving by other boaters
- Watch for signs of bad weather, including a temperature drop or rapidly increasing wind speeds
Additionally, boaters are encouraged to check their life jackets every year and exchange them for new ones if needed. The jacket should be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and should fit the wearer properly. This means children should have their own jackets, not wear that of an adult. Similarly, flares should also be checked annually to make sure they are working properly and if not, they need to be disposed of properly.
Taking action after suffering an injury
As fun as boating can be, waterways can be as dangerous as roadways if boaters do not take steps to ensure they are being safe. A boating accident can result in serious and catastrophic injuries, especially if the boaters are not adequately equipped to deal with it. Those injured in a boating accident might want to consult an experienced attorney to discuss ways to recover compensation for injuries suffered in a boating accident where the operator was negligent.
