Warm weather states like Florida allow for boating year round and boating accidents remain a constant safety concern. The concern over boater safety rises each summer as boating activity increases and temperatures climb. Despite the spike in boating and water recreation around the summer months, many boat owners, fishermen, and deep seas enthusiasts enjoy the waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico throughout all four seasons. The state of Florida, along with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, offers safety training and other programs to educate boaters and prevent boat accidents, but accidents can still happen and serious injuries sometimes result.
Prevention Tips for Common Boat Accidents
Listed below are the most common causes of boating accidents in Florida’s coastal waters, according to the US Coast Guard. Catastrophic injuries caused by boat accidents often include drowning, head trauma, hypothermia, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones.
- Preventing Capsizing: This the top cause of boating accident fatalities. Many accidents occur in twilight when low-light conditions reduce visibility and alcohol may induce poor judgment. Anchoring from the stern (rear) also exposes smaller vessels to an elevated risk of capsizing. Boats are designed to cut through waves bow (front) first. A sudden gushing swell or rogue wave impacting the boat’s stern can result in instant swamping – causing the boat to capsize almost instantly.
If occupants are consuming alcohol on a boat, always designate a driver who will not drink, just like with an automobile. Take extra care maneuvering and docking in twilight and at night. If using an anchor, always secure it from the bow (front) of the boat, never the (stern) rear or from either side.
- Preventing Improper Forward Watch: A boat’s operator/driver must always scan forward for anything that could potentially cross the boat’s path. Even when drifting or trolling, striking an object at slow speed can cause catastrophic damages and send a passenger overboard. Collisions most commonly result from the operator’s lack of watch.
The operator/driver of the boat must scan forward at all times, occasionally glancing to each side to check for other approaching vessels and other potential dangers. Check in all directions (360 degrees) prior to turning, slowing down, or changing directions. Even with the power off and the boat adrift, the owner/captain must keep a watch on the waters immediately surrounding the vessel for fixed obstacles and floating objects.
- Preventing Man Overboard: Rough weather, choppy waters and/or abrupt maneuvering can send a boater overboard. Powerboats can turn sharply and with enough momentum to eject an occupant if he/she is caught off-balance or not seated securely. When a sailboat turns, the sail’s boom swings across the deck as it changes position in the wind and can easily knock a passenger into the water while causing significant head trauma at the same time.
Best practices include keeping everyone seated while a boat is in motion. A good powerboat captain/driver should observe passenger positions when preparing to turn to ensure everyone is secure and aware. Taking extra safety precautions goes a long way towards preventing avoidable boating accidents.
References:
National Assoc. of Rescue Divers – Common Boating Accidents
US Coast Guard
