Articles Tagged with Boating accidents

So far in the year 2020, Georgia law enforcement authorities believe that there have been as many as 31 boating accident related deaths in the local lakes and rivers.

We are in the middle of the year’s busiest boating season with several weeks of boating activity yet to go, so these numbers are very worrisome.   According to Georgia law enforcement officers, there have been a total of 31 boating accident related deaths, including those caused by crashes or by drownings this year alone, across the state.  And with the boating activity that typically takes place during the 4th of July holiday weekend, these numbers will undoubtedly rise.

The boating accident statistics were revealed during the launch of a joint campaign by the states of Georgia and Alabama, to crack down on intoxicated boating over the 4th of July weekend. Boating activity increases across Georgia during the summer months, and this is often accompanied with increased alcohol consumption as well. This deadly combination means an increased risk to boaters, who may be at risk of not just boating crashes, but also accidental drownings and other accidents that can result in serious injuries.

With boating season upon us, the U.S. Coast Guard is recommending that all boaters take some extra steps to stay safe on the water.

The number of boaters on Georgia’s lakes is likely to increase over the next few weeks as Georgians begin to enjoy being out after several weeks of shelter-in-place measures.

Boating is a safe activity from the point of view of social distancing, when compared to other types of activities such as visits to amusement parks. Boating offers a great opportunity for smaller groups to be away from other people, thereby ensuring that social distancing is maintained. However, there are still some things you need to keep in mind before you plan boating trips with family or friends this summer.

Boating season will soon be in full swing in all over Georgia.  Being on the water is one the greatest pleasures of life for avid boaters.  As with any activity, however, it is important that you follow all safety precautions to avoid any accidents or injuries.

The National Safe Boating Council has its own general safe boating tips.   The pre-departure boating checklist below will also help you be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

First of all, make sure that the weather conditions are not only pleasant, but also safe where you plan to go boating. Check weather forecasts as well as tide and current reports.

Although spring typically isn’t known as a particularly busy time of the year for boating, there are still many boating enthusiasts who love the crisp air and the unique joy of boating during spring time. Boating during spring is exhilarating. It is also the ideal time to brush up on your boating skills, and make sure that your boat is in the right shape and tuned up not just for spring, but also for the more hectic summer boating season ahead.  This way you, and others around you, will be sure to be safe whether you’re boating on Lake Lanier, the Chattahoochee River, or any other body of water in the North Georgia area.

Across the country, the Coast Guard estimates that as many as 80 recent of all boating accidents, caused by user error, involved boaters who had never undergone a boating education program. Learning how to operate and handle your boat is a must whether you plan on boating regularly or just a few times a year.  Just as you would never dream of driving your car on the highway without knowing the basics of driving, learning the essentials of boating technique is also necessary to ensure not only your safety but also those around you on the water.  However, a surprisingly large number of boaters every year see no problem in taking to the lakes and rivers across Georgia in boats without even a single hour of training or education.   Operating a boat can be as, or even more, challenging than driving a motor vehicle. In fact, an untrained boater may be at an even higher risk of causing an accident than a motorist because of the special challenges posed by water currents, weather and other factors that are beyond the control of the boater. Not only can boating accidents cause severe injuries, they can also be fatal when the victim’s injuries disable them to the point where they cannot swim in the water and drown as a result.

To help reduce the number of boating accidents, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators conducts a special campaign every year to encourage boaters to focus on safety during the spring months. This year, the special program will be kicked off during the week from March 17 to March 23.

Boating during the winter months can still be great fun.  But it’s still important to remember the need to follow safety protocols at all times especially given the special dangers involved in boating during this time of year.

Many families will head out to lakes across the state for their holidays as the Christmas break begins.  During this time, Lake Lanier and Lake Oconee, as well as other local boating communities, hold special holiday events that attract a number of people to the water.  Many of these boaters will be new to the activity, and oftentimes will fail to follow basic safety rules.  This will lead to an increased risk of negligent or dangerous boating practices, which in turn will result more accidents on Georgia’s lakes.  There is also the increased risk of people boating while intoxicated during the holidays.  As with drunk driving in vehicles, drunk boating can also result in serious accidents, oftentimes resulting in fatal injuries.

While on the water, you should always adhere to the boating safety rules and regulations posted at the lake to avoid being injured a boating accident.  The ice-cold water can pose special safety concerns that are not present during the warmer months.  These special dangers can threaten your life and the lives and safety of your loved ones.