Florida is among the best places in the U.S. for boating. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean and with plenty of lakes and waterways, having fun on the water is a common activity here. However, that also means there’s a much higher risk for boating accidents.
Unlike a car, you don’t need a license to operate a boat. As long as you’re over 22 years old, you can operate a boat without conditions. Boat operators over the age of 14 need to take a safety course and anyone younger is prohibited from driving a boat.
The most common causes of boating accidents are equipment failures and driver error. These can cause people to fall overboard, slip on the vessel, or cause a collision with another vessel. The result can be quite deadly. Hitting the water too hard can cause brain and spinal injuries that can lead to drowning. Propellers can also cause severe or deadly damage to someone in the water.
Chalik Law has collected information about recent boating accidents and boating safety tips. If you follow the rules and mind your speed, boating can be quite safe. We encourage you to learn about boating safety, both on lakes and out in the ocean, so you’ll never have to call us about a boating accident.
However, if you are injured in a boating accident you must talk with a lawyer with experience in this field. If you were injured while a vessel was in “navigable waters”, a whole separate set of laws and claims related to maritime injuries can apply.
In 2012, there were 704 reported boating accidents in Florida and 55 fatalities, reports the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). Boating is a way of life for many Florida residents, including teens, and a common way to kick back and relax. It’s vital that we help our kids learn sound boating safety tips…
