Boats are one of the best ways to enjoy the sea. Unfortunately, every year, numerous people are injured or killed while doing just this.
While it’s rare that anyone sets out to harm them, it’s important to realize that accidents don’t just happen. Most of the time, they happen because someone did something they should not have, or didn’t do something they should have. Sometimes, it is the injured person themselves who is to blame, but often, it is the fault of someone else.
Each year, the U.S. Coastguard publishes a report of accident statistics to make water users more aware of where the danger lies and to allow authorities to consider any changes in rules or systems they might need to implement.
Human error tops the reasons that crashes occur
The 2023 report found that the top three reasons for boating accidents were all down to human error. They were:
- Operator inattention: Those operating a boat need to give doing so their full attention, just like those driving cars need to give driving their full attention. Unfortunately, people often seem to think they can drive a boat while pouring drinks, reading charts, entertaining guests or sorting out fishing tackle
- Improper lookout: Large sail shops of times gone by used to have someone stationed high up the mast at all times. That is how important they considered keeping a lookout. While those on small modern craft don’t have this luxury, keeping a lookout remains essential.
- Operator inexperience: Driving a boat safely takes experience. A quick look around the water on a summer’s day will make it clear that many of those operating pleasure craft do not have enough. They are out there, in often busy waters, without the skills to handle their craft or the experience to assess the risks.
If you are injured in a boating accident, discovering who did what wrong will be key to getting the compensation you deserve.