Sure, boating is fun. But it’s all fun and games until someone gets injured, or even dies from some mishap on the water. In 2019, there were 2,559 reported injuries as a result of boating accidents, and 613 people died. Boating accidents also caused damages that cost up to $55 million.
When you’re on the water, it doesn’t seem all that dangerous—compared to being on a road vehicle. After all, there isn’t as much traffic on the whole, and you don’t have pedestrians to worry about. But looks are deceiving, and you’re better off more prepared.
Common Boating Accidents
These are the top 5 most common types of boating accidents:
- Collision with recreational vessel
- Collision with fixed object
- Grounding
- Flooding/swamping
- Falls overboard
Collisions with another vehicle is the most common, and results in lots of injuries. However, falls overboard may not be as frequent, but it’s the type of accident that causes the most deaths. You’re 4 times more likely to die when you fall overboard than when you hit another watercraft.
Frequent Causes of Boating Accidents
So, what causes all these accidents? You may lower your chances of getting into these accidents when you’re operating these boats, when you consider the most common causes of these boating accidents.
Operator Inattention
This is the most common main factor in boating accidents, accounting for 546 accidents, 36 deaths, and 296 injuries in the US in 2019. The ISCG defines operator inattention as the operator failing to pay attention to the boat, the people on it, and the surrounding environment.
It happens when you simply think that the boat is driving itself, and you think you can have fun without anyone paying attention. Just because there’s nothing happening at the moment when you’re at the helm doesn’t mean that you’re free to fiddle around with your smartphone.
Improper Lookout
Remember when your mom tells you to look both sides of the street when you cross a road? That’s the kind of caution you want to demonstrate when you’re operating a boat. As the boat operator, you’re responsible for maintaining a proper lookout.
That means you need a clear view from the helm, while you constantly check the waters in all directions. You have to watch out for other boats, swimmers, and other stuff on the water like buoys and debris.
It sure helps if you have another set of eyes that can help, but as the boat operator, this is still your responsibility.
Operator Inexperience
Sure, we all started new to boating, and we learn a lot through experience. But it surely helps when you’ve got a more experienced sailor beside you if you’re fairly new to operating a boat in the first place.
With inexperience comes the lack of knowledge about what you should do in various situations. You should take boating courses (especially safety courses) to add to your own experiences.
Excessive Speed
You’ve got a powerful boat, and the water looks clear and inviting. There are no swimmers or other boats around. Surely, it’s okay to let loose and see how fast your boat can go, right?
Well, not exactly. Just like on roads, many places in the water can have speed limits as well. You may also have to deal with fines and other penalties if you go too fast.
But the reality is that even when you’re under the speed limit, you still need to demonstrate some common sense. You need to keep your speed reasonable and prudent. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re making a turn.
Alcohol Use
It’s disheartening to note that driving while drinking is also common when boating. In fact, according to the US Coast Guard, alcohol use is perhaps the most common contributing factor for all boating fatalities. Basically, you turn into an idiot when you’re drunk, leading to all sorts of stupidities.
This may be rather off-putting for some folks, especially those who’d rather enjoy a beer while out on the water. Even if it’s legal where you live to drink while boating, it’s just not safe. As the boat operator, you’re responsible for everyone on board, and that’s not a responsibility that anyone would want on someone who’s drunk.
Even passengers shouldn’t drink while on a boat—alcohol is one of the more common reason for falls overboard.
Machinery Failure
Your boat is a rather complicated machine, and plenty of things can go wrong. The most issues involve the electrical system, engine, exhaust system, fuel system, shift, steering system, throttle, and ventilation.
Basically, you can help minimize the risk simply by checking over your boat carefully to make sure that everything’s okay.
Navigation Rules Violation
This is what happens when you don’t know what to do when you’re in the water and around other boats. Who goes where? You should really take a boating course so that you’d know what to do in various situations.
Bad Weather
The most experienced sailors tend to pay close attention to the weather. They don’t really like to be on the water when the weather turns bad, since these are the times that can lead to many types of accidents.
You ought to pay attention to the weather as well, especially if you’re a newbie. Check weather reports constantly, and head for land at the slightest sign of incoming bad weather. Watch the Perfect Storm movie to see a worst-case scenario!
Hazardous Waters
You should, simply put, avoid water areas where there are reports of piracy or where there’s a war going on. In addition, you don’t want to try out rough seas where the waves are known to be extremely high. If you’re a newbie, go where it’s safe and the water’s a lot calmer (and so are the folks around you).
Conclusion
Most of the time, you just need knowledge and some common sense to minimize the risk of boating accidents. That means you should take the time to learn the rules and safety guidelines, and pay attention to everything around you. Operating a boat is a serious responsibility!