presented by: Gary Massey
TN Boating Drowning AccidentWith the summer season fast approaching, Tennesseans will be making plans to enjoy the sunshine, and a popular way to partake in the delightful warm weather is to take an exhilarating day trip on a boat. Boating is an excellent way to spend a sun-filled day, but if the boat operator and his or passengers do not take proper safety precautions, an aquatic excursion may take a dangerous turn. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were a total of 4,588 recreational boating accidents in 2011, resulting in 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries, and $52 million in property damage.
A boating accident can be caused by a number of factors, including operator inattention, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and machinery failure. As a majority of the causes of boating accidents are preventable, the following are boating accident prevention tips courtesy of EHow.com:
Take a boating safety class to stay abreast of proper boat operation procedures and safety techniques. Learn and follow the rules of navigation.
Wear a well-fitting life jacket and make sure anyone on board is wearing this life-saving piece of gear. Also, select the appropriate life jacket for your activity, such as water skiing.
Require proper seating from your passengers, and do not overload the boat past its weight and horsepower limits.
Prevent an onboard fire by properly maintaining your boat’s condition; this can include inspecting cables and hoses for signs of wear. Also, ensure any onboard safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, is in good working order, and prevent a slip-and-fall by covering walking surfaces with non-slip material.
Before heading out on the high seas, get an accurate weather report. Avoiding bad weather and taking any necessary safety precautions can help prevent an accident.
Following these aquatic safety tips can help keep you and any passengers on your boat safe all summer long. However, the negligence of another party may still cause a serious boating accident. If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact a Tennessee boating accident lawyer at the law firm of Massey & Associates, P.C. Our legal team will work to ensure any negligent parties are held responsible for the damage you suffer. Call our offices at (423) 396-0720 for a no-cost consultation.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
