We all love to enjoy a summer day filled with fun and sun on Florida’s abundant waterways. In order to stay safe while boating on the water, you should always have a plan in place for your trip before you leave shore. You can prevent property damage and injuries caused by recreational boating accidents by following basic safety guidelines and being prepared for emergencies.
Boating Safety Tips:
- Make sure every passenger on board wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket
- Do not operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Equip your boat with the proper safety equipment and distress signals
- File a float plan and notify friends and family members about your trip
- Always drive at safe speeds
- Know and follow state boating laws and navigational rules
- Check the marine weather forecast before you depart
- Carry an EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon
- Take an approved boating safety course
- Schedule a Vessel Safety Check
What is a Float Plan?
A float plan is a document that includes important information in the event something goes wrong out on the water. Whether you are taking a day trip or an extended excursion, a float plan can provide family members and search teams with essential information in order to locate your boat if it goes missing. The float plan describes your boat, trailer registration number, port of origin, safety and communication equipment, the number and names of the passengers on board, emergency contacts, destination, and when you expect to arrive. You should give a copy of the float plan to someone you know and trust and notify them if your plans have changed and when you have arrived home safely. Learn more at Float Plan Central.
Schedule a Vessel Safety Check
Your boat and its safety equipment should be checked at regular intervals. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts free Vessel Safety Checks. Find a location near you.
Boating Accident Injury Claims
Florida’s vast and abundant waterways offer residents and tourists alike many opportunities to enjoy recreational activities while on the water. Unfortunately, this also means that docks, lakes, rivers, channels, and oceans may be overcrowded with inexperienced operators and increased chances for accidents involving boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, sailboats, swimmers, and collisions with decks and docks.
Boating accidents and injuries may occur in many ways, including:
- Collisions with other boats or docks
- Operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Capsized or sinking boat
- Carbon monoxide, fire, or gasoline explosions
- Negligent, careless, or inexperienced boat operator
- Falls overboard
Florida Boating Laws
Under Florida law, boaters have a duty to operate their vessels safely and not place others at risk. If a boater is negligent and breaches their duty, causing property damage or injury to others, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages. An injured party can file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance policy which can provide coverage for property damage and injuries resulting after a boating accident.
Boating Accident Injury Attorney
When an operator of a boat is negligent in its operation or violates boating laws, resulting in significant property damage or serious injuries, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands boating laws and will work diligently to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
If you have been injured in a boating or watercraft accident in Florida, we can help. We accept boating accident injury cases throughout the entire state of Florida. To schedule a free consultation, call our office (407) 636-8300 or contact us online.