Safety Tips For Boating This Summer

Summertime is here, which means boating and boating-related activities are in full swing around the Philadelphia area. Boating is a great way to enjoy the summer, however, it could lead to catastrophic injuries, especially when operated in a negligent or reckless manner. We would like to provide you with some helpful tips for safe boating in summer; and if you are in need of a Philadelphia boat accident attorney, we at Solomon, Sherman & Gabay are here to help you.

Boat Safety Checklist

Boating and related activities always ensure a fun time during the summer and with a simple checklist, it can be a safe time, too.

Ryan Erdman, waterways conservation officer, says that a life jacket is the most important thing when out on the water, reported in a recent Erie Times-News article. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) executive director, Tim Schaeffer, has provided a simple check-list for boating safety:

• Wear a life jacket at all times—the law requires that you have an S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for every person on your boat and children 12 and under must always wear one aboard a boat.
• Never boat under the influence (BUI)—it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• Plan your trip—tell others where you are planning to float or boat.
• Take a boating safety course—Pennsylvania requires all boaters born after December 31, 1981, to have a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate when operating a boat with a motor greater than 25 horsepower.
• Obtain proper registration and launching permits—all powered boats must be registered with the PFBC and permits are required for those using a PFBC or DCNR boat access. Permits are available on the commission’s website.
• Equip your boat with the proper sound (bells, whistles, horns, etc.) and safety floatation devices.

For additional boating safety, read through the entire Boating Handbook published by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Boating Accident Analysis

Boating can lead to serious and even deadly injuries when one does not practice boat safety. In the latest reporting year, the PFBC reported nine recreational boating accidents, which resulted in eleven deaths—an increase of three from the previous year.

The commission has already reported three deaths this year from boating-related accidents.

None of the victims were wearing a lifejacket in all recent fatalities reported.

Smooth Sailing Ahead: How we can help you

It is important to adhere to all safety rules when boating but accidents can still occur. Should you or a loved one find yourself in a boating-related accident, Solomon, Sherman & Gabay’s Philadelphia personal injury lawyers can help you. Our team has the resources necessary to fully investigate these claims, determine liability, and help victims obtain maximum compensation for their losses. Contact Solomon, Sherman & Gabay immediately if you are in need of a Philadelphia boat accident attorney.

When you need a Philadelphia boat accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 215-665-1100.