Labor day weekend is always bittersweet. No matter the weather, it is the warning that lets us all know that summer’s finale is coming and urges us to get outside and do all the things that we meant to do all summer long before the cold winds of change begin to blow.
Many of us will go to Smith Mountain Lake and Claytor Lake for once last day of boating and fun.
If you do, take caution and be aware of the most common types of accidents and how to avoid them.
Top 5 Accident Types
According to the United States Coast Guard, the top five primary boating accident types are as follows:
1) Collision with another recreational vessel:
Expect the lake to be crowded this weekend. Be vigilant about watching other boats and personal water craft such as jet skis and waverunners in the water.
2) Flooding/swamping:
To prevent flooding, swamping or capsizing be sure not to overload your boat, allow anyone to sit on top of seats or in an area where there is no seat. Distribute the weight evenly throughout your boat and attach the engine shut off line to your wrist. Do not allow anyone to walk around on the boat while it is in motion. When moving around on a boat, passengers should maintain 3 points of contact at all times (2 hands, 1 foot).
3) Collision with a fixed object:
Collisions with submerged objects and buoy markers are especially treacherous for boaters. Be on the lookout for fixed objects in the water.
4) Grounding
Observe weather conditions and find shelter during storms. Lightning poses a two-fold risk to boaters. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and the boat and it’s operator and passengers present a high profile in the water. Over a hundred people in the United States die each year from lightning strikes.
5) Skier mishap
To stay safe, apply this mantra, “Skiing is a team sport.” The boat operator, the skier and the observer. The observer works twice as hard as the driver, being responsible for watching the skier and informing the operator of any signals the skier has given or if the skier has fallen. This allows the operator to focus his or her full attention on driving the boat.
Top Ten Contributing Factors to Boating Accidents
1) Operator Inattention
2) Improper Lookout
3) Operator Inexperience
4) Excessive Speed
5) Alcohol Use
6) Machinery Failure
7)Navigation Rules Violation
8)Hazardous Waters
9) Weather
10) Force of wave/wake
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to someone else’s negligence, call The Thomson Law Firm today for a free consultation. An intake specialist is ready to talk with you about your case.
