Boating accidents are at their highest levels, and they’re only expected to get higher.
In 2020 there were 804 boating accidents in Florida, with 79 fatal accidents making Florida the nation’s leader in boating accidents.
Like driving on the road, there are laws and regulations in place to reduce your chances of being involved in a collision when on a boat, but they only work if everyone follows them. As we all know, not everyone will follow the rules all the time, which ultimately leads to accidents occurring with varying degrees of severity.
Common causes of boat accidents in Florida
Improper lookout: Vessels should have a dedicated lookout to monitor the area, assess any risk present, and communicate it accordingly to avoid a collision. When the lookout is distracted or inexperienced, they may fail to properly perform their duties, leading to a boat accident.
Alcohol use: Nationwide, alcohol-related boating accidents account for the highest number of fatalities aboard boats, yachts, and other vessels.
Operator inexperience: Operating a boat or yacht is not a simple task, and it requires the operator to have a deep understanding of how the vessel works. For example, operating a boat with two or more engines is far more complex than operating a boat with a single engine. Additionally, an inexperienced operator will usually be indecisive and will not possess the experience or knowledge needed to avoid a collision.
Excessive speeding: Avoiding a collision is difficult when speeding due to the vessel’s inertia. Maintaining a safe and appropriate speed is important at all times to ensure proper control over the vessel is maintained.
Mechanic or manufacturer-related malfunction: Defects or any type of mechanical failure in a vessel can cause a severe and potentially fatal boat accident to occur. Defects in design or in the manufacturing of parts used in the boat can cause unforeseen issues, which can become a contributing factor leading to an accident.
Boat passenger recklessness: Passengers are expected to behave and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. When passengers behave inappropriately, it can hinder the ability of others to react on time and can lead to a boat accident or collision.
Severe weather: Weather plays a significant role when it comes to safely operating a boat or any vessel. Extreme weather conditions increase the chances of being involved in an accident or collision.
