Ways to Get in Trouble Boating

Ruin Your Next Boat Outing in Ten Easy Steps

Mar 11, 2008 Alan Sorum

Here are ten perfectly good ways to get into trouble during your next boating trip. Most boating accidents are preventable, especially if these actions are avoided.

Boaters can learn safer practices through a review of boating statistics gathered by the Coast Guard and experiences recorded by TowBoatU.S., a national towing organization that assists thousands of boaters each year. This knowledge points out some common ways boaters can avoid serious trouble while out on the water.

Ten Ways to Get in Trouble Boating

Drink Alcohol While Boating - Alcohol use magnifies fatigue while boating, lowering reaction times substantially. In 2006, alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in all fatal boating accidents
Stowing the Lifejackets - Nearly two-thirds of fatal boating accident victims drown. Ninety percent of these accident victims were not wearing a lifejacket
Overloading the Boat - Capsized boats don't represent the most common type of boating accident, but account for the greatest number of injuries each year. During 2006, 215 boaters died as the result of capsizing. Heavily loaded boats are more likely to be swamped in rough weather
Falling Overboard - Another leading cause of death for boaters are falls overboard. Take steps to ensure all passengers are seated prior to putting a boat in gear. Practice man overboard procedures tailored for your vessel
Not Taking a Boating Safety Class - Year after year, 70 percent of boating fatalities occur on vessels operated by people who have never taken a boating safety class. Classes are available in traditional classroom settings, online and through computer mediation formats throughout the United States and Canada
Operating the Boat While People are in the Water - Skiers, swimmers and divers are injured and killed each year by inadvertent propeller strikes. Rotating propellers cause horrible injuries and are easily prevented. During 2006, 107 people were struck by propellers and eight of them died
Getting in a Rush at the Launch Ramp - Boat ramps are areas of potential disaster for the unprepared. Practice backing the trailer and have everything ready on the boat before approaching a launch ramp
Not Maintaining the Boat Trailer - BoatU.S. reports the two greatest contributors to boat trailer breakdowns are flat tires and wheel bearing failures. Take a little time before boating season starts to properly maintain boat trailers
Failing to Learn the Rules of the Road - Collisions with other vessels account for the greatest number of boating accidents each year. Learning the rules of the road would prevent many of these tragic incidents
Making Poor Decisions - The second leading contributor to serious boating accidents is operation in hazardous waters, which resulted in 63 deaths during 2006. Listen to weather radio for current marine forecasts and avoid vessel operations in unfamiliar waters

Boating is a safe activity for those who are prepared. Take time to learn more about boating safety and seamanship. The rewards are improved safety and enjoyment of a great pastime.

The copyright of the article Ways to Get in Trouble Boating in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Ways to Get in Trouble Boating in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.