Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents are devastating. When they occur, a fun day on the water becomes a nightmare that causes injury and, in the worst cases, death. According to the United States Coast Guard, 4,291 recreational boating accidents occurred in 2017. These accidents caused a total of 658 deaths and injured 2,629 people. Below, we discuss the common reasons that these accidents occur:

Boating While Drinking (BUI)

Alcohol is the leading cause of accident in recreational boating. Many Americans use boats to unwind and enjoy a day of recreation on the open water. Unfortunately, their relaxation often includes an excessive amount of alcohol. In 2017, boating under the influence accounted for 19 percent of all recreational boating accidents.

Having a designated boat operator and limiting the amount of drinking while on the water might have saved 125 lives in 2017 alone.

Weather-Related Accidents

Unexpected weather changes can significantly impact boat safety. Heavy rain, high winds, and rough waters can reduce visibility, make navigation difficult, and cause boats to capsize. Just a few years ago, a brief and momentary thunderstorm on a lake caused a tour boat to capsize, which caused multiple fatalities.

To minimize the risk of weather-related accidents, boaters should:

• Regularly check local weather forecasts and marine advisories.
• Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions while on the water.
• Have a plan in case of sudden weather changes or emergencies.
• Equip the boat with proper safety gear, such as extra flotation devices, a marine radio, and an emergency locator beacon.

Overloading & Improper Loading

Overloading a boat or loading it unevenly can compromise its stability and increase the risk of capsizing or swamping. To prevent overloading-related accidents, always adhere to the boat’s maximum capacity limit, as stated by the manufacturer. You should always distribute weight evenly throughout the boat, including passengers, gear, and equipment and make adjustments to the boat’s trim and balance as needed, especially when conditions change or passengers move around.

Distraction and Inattention

Distraction and inattention can lead to serious boating accidents. To maintain focus and avoid distractions, boaters should:

• Assign a dedicated lookout to help monitor the surroundings and watch for potential hazards.
• Limit the use of smartphones and other distracting devices while operating a boat.
• Remain vigilant of other vessels, buoys, and obstacles in the water.
• Communicate with passengers about the importance of staying vigilant and avoiding distractions.

Navigational Errors

Navigational errors can lead to boating accidents in various ways, often due to a lack of situational awareness, inadequate planning, or improper use of navigational tools. Below are some examples that demonstrate how navigational errors contribute to accidents:

• Grounding: A common navigational error occurs when a boat operator misreads charts or fails to use them altogether, leading the vessel into shallow waters or submerged hazards like rocks, sandbars, or coral reefs.
• Collisions: Boating accidents can occur when vessels collide due to a lack of communication or failure to follow established navigation rules. For instance, misinterpreting another vessel’s course or speed can lead to a collision, especially in congested waterways or during periods of limited visibility, such as fog or heavy rain.
• Inadequate weather planning: Failing to account for adverse weather conditions and their impact on navigation can lead to accidents. For example, a boat operator may not be prepared to handle sudden storms or strong currents, resulting in a loss of control, capsizing, or being swept into hazardous areas.
• Over-reliance on electronic navigation devices: While modern GPS systems and electronic chart plotters have made navigation more accessible, they can sometimes fail or provide incorrect information. Relying solely on these devices without cross-referencing traditional navigation methods, such as paper charts and compass bearings, can lead to dangerous navigational errors.

Speeding

Speeding is a significant factor contributing to boat accidents, as it reduces the operator’s reaction time and ability to maneuver effectively in case of unexpected obstacles or situations. When traveling at high speeds, a boat requires a longer distance to come to a complete stop, making it more challenging to avoid collisions with other vessels, objects, or swimmers in the water.

Furthermore, excessive speed can amplify the impact of any mistakes or sudden changes in water conditions, such as encountering large waves or wakes from other boats. This may cause passengers to be thrown off balance, increasing the risk of injuries or falling overboard. In addition, speeding boats are more susceptible to capsizing, especially when making sharp turns or encountering crosswinds.

By adhering to safe speed limits and adjusting to the surrounding conditions, boat operators can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer boating experience for everyone on board and in the surrounding area.

Night Boating

Boating at night poses unique challenges and risks due to reduced visibility and increased difficulty in judging distances and identifying hazards. To ensure safety during nighttime boating, consider these tips:

• Equip your boat with proper navigation lights and ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Use a spotlight or flashlight to illuminate potential hazards, but be cautious not to blind other boaters.
• Slow down and maintain a safe speed appropriate for the conditions.
• Make use of radar, GPS, and other navigation aids to help with orientation and hazard detection.
• Keep a sharp lookout and listen for sounds that might indicate nearby vessels or obstacles.

Operator Inexperience

Unlike other motor vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, most states do not have strict licensing requirements to operate a boat. If a license is required, it can often be obtained without ever actually handling a boat. A license can be easily obtained by someone looking to rent a boat after taking a quick online safety course. Boat renters are often some of the most dangerous operators on the water due to their inexperience handling a boat, which (unlike a car or motorcycle) has no brakes. Up to 81 percent of boating fatalities are linked to instances where the operator has had no safety instruction.

Safety courses do not provide the real-world experience required to operate a boat. As a result, America’s waterways are filled with weekend warriors who dangerously operate rented boats. With a lack of respect for the dangers of boating, these drivers often attempt unsafe maneuvers. New boat drivers often fail to lookout, utilize safe speeds, and accurately judge the distance needed to stop a boat as it glides across the water’s surface.

Mechanical Failure & Maintenance Issues

Mechanical failure and maintenance issues can lead to accidents, leaving boaters stranded or facing dangerous situations on the water. Proper maintenance and regular inspections of your boat are essential for ensuring its safety and reliability.

In each of these scenarios, mechanical failure can directly or indirectly contribute to boating accidents with potentially severe consequences:

• Engine malfunctions can lead to loss of propulsion or steering, making it difficult or impossible for the operator to maintain control, avoid obstacles, or navigate through rough waters.
• Electrical system failures may result in the loss of critical navigation or communication equipment, leaving the vessel vulnerable to collisions or grounding.
• Fuel system issues can cause fuel leaks or fires, posing significant danger to both the boat and its occupants.
• Failure of essential components such as bilge pumps can lead to flooding and capsizing
• Malfunctioning safety equipment, like lifejacket inflators, can compromise the effectiveness of life-saving measures during emergencies.

Lack of Safety Equipment Onboard

According to the Coast Guard, 76 percent of boating deaths are caused by drowning. Boats are either not properly stocked with lifejackets or passengers fail to wear them. Notably,** two-thirds are of those who drown** are proficient at swimming. When someone is injured, they usually lose their ability to swim well enough to save their own life during an accident. Lifejackets have the potential to lower boating fatalities by 66 percent.

If you have been injured in a boat accident, call the boat accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin for a free consultation. If we take your case, you do not pay unless we win!