On September 9th, a boater was rescued by two Good Samaritans after his watercraft collided with a seawall in the Boynton Beach Inlet. Witnesses said the boater’s throttle was stuck, and he lost control of his boat. The man was pulled from the water by two bystanders after they heard the collision. The boater is expected to make a full recovery.
Boating accidents happen every day here in South Florida. With more than 900,000 registered boats in Florida, accidents are inevitable. However, most accidents can be avoided by being a responsible and knowledgeable boater.
Tips to Staying Safe While Out on the Water
- Follow the rules of the road (or water in this instance). The US Coast Guard promulgates safe navigation rules on its website that every boater should read and be aware of.
- Take a boating safety course. These are offered throughout South Florida and are oftentimes free of charge.
- Make sure you have all the proper safety devices for your boat. These include floatation devices, fire extinguishers and lighting, to name a few.
- Know your surroundings. Always stay in marked channels if you are unfamiliar with the area as underwater structures (such as sandbars) can cause accidents. Also, always be on the lookout for other boaters and divers that may not be following proper safety measures.
- Never drink and boat. Alcohol and boating do not mix well; it’s both illegal and unsafe.
Just because an accident occurs does not mean someone was negligent. But oftentimes somebody is at fault, and they need to be held accountable. The LaBovick Law Group has a team of attorneys that practice in the area of maritime personal injury. The law on the water is different than that on land, and it takes an attorney that knows these differences to get the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured by a negligent boater, call today for a free consultation.
