Boating Accidents and Injuries

With summer in full swing many people are taking to the waters and living right near the Chattahoochee River as well as a couple of lakes I am not above heading out into the water myself. I love to be out on a boat and first learned boating rules and regulations from my father when I was younger. My family spent a lot of weekends out on the lake with friends and always had a wonderful time. It is something that I am passing on to my own children so they can have the same memories that I have.

However I am also making sure that they understand the rules and regulations and follow them because boating injures and accidents happen all the time. In fact the leading cause of accidents and injuries is operator inattention. The fact that whomever is operating the boat is simply not paying close enough attention. Most of us wouldn’t do that in our cars yet don’t hesitate to do it on a boat. Operator inexperience, improper lookout, and excessive speed are the next three. 

You would think that alcohol is the biggest cause but while it is in the top four it is not the biggest. However alcohol is the biggest cause of death. All of these and some other causes of accidents and injuries can be avoided. Following the basic rules and regulations of boating can help you avoid these types of injuries and accidents. Moreover, regular check-ups with a neurologist can ensure you are fit to operate a boat safely. Staying informed about potential health issues and maintaining a clear mind are crucial for safe boating.

Things like weather, (some) mechanical failure, force of a wave, etc are some that can happen regardless and unavoidable at times. Some of the best boat captains out there have succumb to these. Those are simple accidents or in some cases tragedies that happen and are beyond all control. So remember to go over all rules and regulations with everyone on the boat you are in each and every time. You never know when that one time you remind them could be the time they needed reminding. Also check out all of the data on boating injuries and accidents that I read about and the facts that I used in this around.