Miami is bustling with yachts and small boats, both privately owned and available for hire. Boating is a popular activity all year round.
The downside of boating is that accidents can happen, particularly in relation to small boats. Some studies indicate that as many as 80% of all fatal boating accidents occur on small boats. What makes small boats so dangerous?
A lack of safety equipment
Large vessels tend to be filled with safety equipment. For instance, cruise ships typically have life rafts that can accommodate passengers should an incident occur. Small boats are limited in the safety equipment they can pack on board. What this means is that if something does go wrong, things can turn serious quite quickly.
Operators and passengers on small boats don’t have the safety option of boarding another vessel should the boat start to fill with water. It’s also not feasible to pack water pumps that can get rid of excess water as they are too heavy. Those on board are often left stranded in deep waters, with no option but to swim to safety.
The risk of capsizing
Capsizing is a much more prominent risk for small boats for a host of reasons. Unlike large vessels which are bottom-heavy, even a slight change in the water current can capsize a small boat. The risk of capsizing also becomes greater if too many people are on board.
Operators of small boats owe you a duty of care. If you operate one yourself, then other boat users around you must also not act negligently. If you have been injured in a boating accident that stemmed from negligence, then you may be entitled to financial compensation that covers your medical costs and pain and suffering.