Brian White | July 11, 2024 | Boating Accidents
The Lone Star State has roughly 1.7 million acres of freshwater inland lakes, providing plenty of opportunities for recreational boating. Getting out on the water with friends and family can be lots of fun. It can also be dangerous.
A boating accident can leave you with debilitating ailments, including back injuries, concussions, broken bones, and more. A lack of safety education plays a big role in the frequency and severity of boating accidents; 70% of boating deaths occurred on vessels where the captain didn’t have any safety training.
Here’s your ultimate Houston maritime safety checklist. Follow these guidelines to help keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Check the Forecast
Guiding your boat through a big storm can be challenging and dangerous. Always check the weather report before you set sail. Gather information about wind speed and wave height. Don’t hesitate to postpone your trip if the weather conditions exceed your skills as a boat captain.
Get Your Craft Ready
Make sure your boat is in good working order before you launch it from the ramp. Check everything from your fuel levels to the engine and battery. Get any damaged components fixed before taking your boat out.
Buy (and Use) the Right Safety Equipment
Make sure everyone has a flotation device that fits properly. Wearing a life jacket can prevent drowning. Even if you aren’t legally required to wear a life jacket, putting one on is a good idea.
You’ll also need some other safety equipment, including the following:
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Emergency signal devices
- Anchor
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- VHF radio
Check your safety kit before each trip and replace any missing or expired items.
Let Someone Know Where You Are Going
Let a friend or family member know your plans and specifics about your trip. Share details like where you’re going, who you’ll be with, and when you’ll be back. Someone will know to look for you and inform the authorities if something goes wrong.
Avoid Alcohol
Never operate your vessel under the influence of alcohol. It’s illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol decreases your reaction time and will make it harder to respond in an emergency. You may also take more risks and put your passengers or yourself in unnecessarily dangerous situations.
Educate Your Passengers
Make sure everyone on your vessel knows basic boating safety rules. Show them where your equipment is and how to use it. Explain what to do in case of an emergency. While you don’t want to scare your passengers, you do want them to be prepared if something bad happens while on the water.
Watch Your Speed
Driving too fast could cause your vessel to flip. Passengers might get ejected and suffer serious injuries, including concussions, nerve damage, and broken bones.
Stick to posted speed limits and slow down in areas with heavy boat traffic. It is important to maintain a safe speed for the conditions on the water. Remember, the faster you go, the less time you have to react to obstacles or other boats.
Be Aware of What’s Happening Around You
Always stay alert and keep an eye on what’s going on around you. Look for other boats and obstacles like rocks or buoys. Use your depth finder and other safety tools to monitor what’s going on in, around, and below your vessel.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
Boating in Houston can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, but safety should always come first. By following these tips, you and your crew may have a fun and safe experience.
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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