Each year, Florida is at or near the top of the list of states where boating accidents occur. With our abundance of rivers, lakes, waterways and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise—and with the weather quickly warming, boating accidents will soon be on the rise in the Jacksonville area. Most of these accidents will result in only minor damage and/or injuries, but some will undoubtedly end in life-changing injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s actions, the boating accident attorneys at Harrell & Harrell, P.A., have the experience in handling boat and watercraft accident claims that can help you get the compensation you deserve.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics, there have been notable changes in boating incidents compared to previous years. Here’s a summary of the key findings:
Overall Statistics:
- Total Accidents: 3,844
- Total Deaths: 564
- Total Injuries: 2,126
- Property Damage: Approximately $63 million
Comparison to Previous Year (2022):
- Decrease in Fatalities: 11.3% (from 636 to 564)
- Decrease in Total Accidents: 4.9% (from 4,040 to 3,844)
- Decrease in Injuries: 4.3% (from 2,222 to 2,126)
Leading Contributing Factors to Accidents:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
Alcohol-Related Fatalities:
- Alcohol use remained the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 79 deaths, or 17% of total fatalities.
Life Jacket Usage:
- Drowning was the cause of death in 75% of fatalities.
- Among drowning victims, 87% were not wearing life jackets.
Vessel Types Most Involved in Accidents:
- Open motorboats
- Personal watercraft
- Cabin motorboats
Operator Education:
- Deaths occurred predominantly on vessels operated by individuals who had not received boating safety instruction, accounting for 75% of fatalities.
Tips for Safe Boating
Whether you’re an experienced boater or have decided this is the year you’ll become one, remember that you have the choice to do all you can to keep yourself and your passengers safe on the water. Here are a few tips for having a safe and enjoyable outing:
Do a boat safety check: These tasks may seem basic, but they shouldn’t be skipped. Ensure you have adequate gas and well-charged batteries. Visually inspect your boat’s hull to ensure there are no cracks or holes. Also, check to see if your bilge pump is in good operational order.
Check your life jackets: Replace old life jackets, and have the rights sizes on board for all of your passengers, including children. Insist that your passengers wear them.
Leave your emergency radio on: In spring and summer, the weather in Florida can change very quickly, so keep your radio on in case weather warnings are broadcast. Your radio is also essential for learning of any accidents or other conditions that you may encounter on busy waterways.
Watch your speed: Obey all posted wake zone and other speed limit signs.
Know the rules: Before each boating season, take time to thoroughly review the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boating Regulations.
Never operate a boat or watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Just like on roadways, things can happen quickly on the water. Boat operators must be fully aware of their surroundings, including the environment and the boaters around them. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating while impaired increases the chances of a boating fatality by more than 30 percent. It’s also against the law: A vessel operator who is suspected of boating under the influence must submit to a sobriety test and a test to determine blood-alcohol content.
Contact Our Boat Accident Lawyers
Any type of personal injury accident, including those that happen on the water, can leave you or a loved one with life-changing injuries. To find out if you are entitled to seek restitution for damages caused by a boating accident, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced boat accident lawyers. You can reach us online or call 904-251-1111 or 1-800-251-1111.