What Are the Causes of Most Boating Accidents?
Last Updated on March 9, 2021
Summer is an excellent time for boating. However, this is also the time when boat accidents increase manifolds.
All the incidents that occur usually have pretty much the same causes. And these are the very things you should be looking out for in case you, too, are planning an outing in your boat.
So, in this post, we’re going to let you know you about the causes of most boating accidents. In addition, we’ll also show you how to prevent boat accidents.
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What Cause the Accidents?
Here are the reasons that cause most of the boat accidents.
Not Being Alert Towards Dangers
One thing that causes accidents while out on the boat is an improper lookout.
This is actually a very common reason for boating accidents, as many times the people in charge of keeping eyes open and being alert for any threats get distracted, and this is what leads to the incidents.
They are unable to signal out a warning before the hazard takes place, and thus the unanticipated event occurs which leaves people in dismay.
Lack of Attention of the Operator
All boats have an operator who is there at all times to navigate and steer the boat in the right direction.
They also have to administer all the things going around them to make sure nothing goes wrong while everyone is out in the water.
It is their job to be always aware and to make sure that they can steer clear of all types of coming dangers. And when they get distracted or are somehow not keeping tabs on their surroundings, accidents might occur.
Inexperienced Operator
As I have said before, the operator has an essential job when it comes to boating; they have to be alerted all the time when they are in the water. The task becomes tricky if they happen to be new at operating boats.
They do not have much knowledge about what is happening and what they have to do in different types of situations. They might not be able to foresee the coming threat, or they might not be able to react to the imminent danger at the right time or in the right way, which would result in an accident.
Speeding
A common cause of road accidents is speeding, and the same goes for the water. You are less able to have control over your boat if you are speeding. The chances of encountering an unfavorable situation are very high as your time to react to any situation, or sudden occurrence is very less.
The probability of a collision with another boat because of speeding is exceptionally high, and thus it is something people should always be aware of and keep in check. The thrill cannot be more important than your life, the life of those on the boat with you, and those who are around you.
Operating the Boat Under the Influence of Alcohol
During summer, when the sun is out and everyone is on vacation, drinking alcohol is very common. Some might even smoke weed which might impair their decision-making skill. Not only will the substances affect the decision, but it will also make them slow.
The operator of the boat will not be able to react appropriately or in time if in case they end up in a risky situation. So, there is a need for control when steering the boat, as the lives of many people are in their hands.
Breaking the Rules
There are rules for everything in the world; these rules and regulations are put in place so that things are done properly and that no one is injured while they are doing something. Just like it is with roads, many rules have to be followed while on a boat.
If you break the navigation rules, then chances are you will collide with another boat or the dock. This could potentially cause a lot of damage and might even be a threat to people’s life. Abiding by the rules is very important, especially when other’s lives are in your hands.
Faulty Equipment
The equipment of the boat failing may also lead to accidents. This is not anyone’s fault when a bad incident occurs due to equipment failure, but the results are likely of being devastating. Especially if the operator loses control of the boat, it will cause destruction in its wake.
If a situation like this truly takes place, then there is not much you can do about it other than hoping for the best and trying to see if the problem can be solved.
Bad Weather
Much like how people have no control when there is some type of equipment failure, people also have no control of the weather; it has a mind of its own. And there is nothing you can really do when you are out in the water, and a storm starts.
Well, you can hope that you don’t get caught up in it.
The water condition changes dramatically when the weather changes as the wind play a significant role in the status of the water.
If the operator is experienced, then there is a good chance that they will be able to steer you away from harm’s way and get you back on land without any real damage.
Tips to Prevent Boat Accidents
In most of the cases, there are ways in which you can actually prevent boating accidents from taking place. You can also keep yourself prepared in case you happen to find yourself in a situation as such.
Life Jackets
Seat belts are a must when you ride a car and just like that, life jackets are something you should wearing when you are on a boat and in the water. Many occasions might occur in which you might end up being in the water. So, if you do not know how to swim, then the jacket will be there to save lives.
It helps to float when people are in the water, and it gives a sense of relief. One problem that people face if the boat tips over is that they panic, which stops them from thinking clearly and floating. The life jacket in such case gives them a bit of security.
Go With Someone Who Has Experience
If you are new to boating, then it would be in your best favor to take someone who knows boating, as otherwise you might get caught in a situation you have no idea or experience about. If the other person knows what to do, then you will be safer.
They will know what to do, how to navigate and steer clear of the other boats. You will be safer and will have a better time, as you won’t constantly be worrying about something bad happening.
Follow the Rules
People will be able to avoid a lot of problems and potential dangers if they just take a look at the rules and regulations. Once they understand what they have to do, chances are that they will be able to stay out of harm’s way.
They will be able to keep themselves safe when they are out in the water; they will also not endanger the lives of people with them on the boat or those in other boats around them.
Avoid Alcohol
As boating under the influence can cause accidents, it is better for the people, mainly the operators, to avoid drinking when they have control over the boat. Even though it might be tempting to see friends and family enjoying and having a good time, but you have the responsibility to keep them all alive.
A bit of sacrifice is needed here if you want you and your close ones to be safe and sound in the water.
Safety Gears Are a Must
Everyone who goes out boating should always carry safety gear with them because danger might be lurking at any time of the trip. They should have a first aid kit with them, people can get hurt, and the first aid can help manage the situation before it takes a wrong turn.
This safety gear also includes a mobile phone, marine anchor, and VFH radio. These will be needed if you need some help from the coast guards when you are in the water. Make sure you have the number of the coast guards programmed in your phone; otherwise, there is no use of taking the phone.
The anchor is needed for those boats which don’t have brakes, so this will help you stop the boat in case you need to.
Final Thoughts
There are potential risks and threats for almost everything, but you have to be aware of what they might be, and based on that, you should take precautions to make sure nothing bad happens to you.
There are a lot of informative and helpful guides on our site, all of them about boats. Here are a few sample topics:
