What Causes Boat Accidents?

What are common causes of boating accidents?

While there are regulations and rules in place to protect the safety of passengers and boat operators, they cannot prevent all accidents from happening. According to the U.S. Coast Guard¹, the most common causes of boating accidents include:

What are the causes of most fatalities in boating accidents?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard¹, most boating accidents that resulted in fatalities had these causes:

• Falling overboard – Falling overboard is the most common cause of boating fatalities. It is most common among anglers.
• Capsizing – A boat that overturns or capsizes because of a strong wave or a collision is also common in fatalities on water vessels
• Collision – A collision with a fixed object or another moving vessel is another common cause of fatalities in boating accidents
• Departed vessel – When a passenger gets off the boat as in diving or jumping into the water, this is referred to as a “departed vessel.” A sudden change in direction could be fatal for people in the water around the boat.
• Flooding – Flooding is when a boat is filled with water. This can put the operator and passengers at risk of sinking.

Boating safety FAQs

There is nothing more fun than a boating adventure with family or friends. But make sure you are prepared with essential safety gear. Here are some crucial things to consider before going out on the water.

Do I Need a Boat Safety Kit?

You cannot always predict an emergency, so it’s best to have a well-stocked boat safety kit on board at all times.

What Should I Have in my Boat Safety Kit?

Every safety kit should include:

• Flashlight – To help you see in the dark
• Duct tape – To assist in bandaging a hole if you’ve sprung a leak
• Bucket – To bail out water in the boat
• First aid kit – Essential in case someone gets hurt
• Whistle – To call for help in an emergency
• Ropes – To secure the boat to the dock, tie-down items in severe weather, or pull in someone who fell overboard

Does Everyone Need a Life Jacket?

Absolutely. As per the law, every passenger on a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Remember that life jackets don’t just keep you afloat; they can also help prevent hypothermia when cold water is a factor. Make sure you choose appropriate jackets for each person’s age and height.

Is It Illegal to Drink While Boating?

Nevada Revised Statute 488.400² makes it unlawful to operate a water vessel while under the influence of alcohol. These laws are similar to Nevada’s DUI laws in that a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or more is illegal. You should never operate a boat while under the influence.

Do I Need a Boating License to Drive a Boat in Nevada?

According to Nevada rules and regulations3, anyone born after January 1, 1983, must pass a boater safety course and carry their boater education card to operate a motorized watercraft. However, there is no minimum age requirement, and the course can be completed online.

Boating accidents in Nevada

Nevada and Arizona have some beautiful warm weather locations for boating, including Lake Mead near Hoover Dam. A boating accident is never on anyone’s mind when they head out for a day of fun. Being prepared and aware of what essentials to include will help avoid preventable injuries.

If you or a family member have been injured in a boating accident and are unsure what to do, contact our experienced Las Vegas boating accident lawyers for a free consultation about your case. You might be entitled to compensation. Our team will review the accident details, navigate insurance companies, and ensure accident victims receive adequate compensation for their losses. Call us today to see how we can help.

Contact our experienced boating accident injury lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, our skilled personal injury attorneys can help. We can help you claim fair compensation and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.