Having the ability to spend time out on the water can be an enjoyable experience. When safe boating practices are put into place, boaters have the ability to be able to respond in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, accidents can occur. When on the water, additional risks are posed for a number of reasons. Should you be faced with injuries from a boating accident, you may require compensation to assist in your recovery from the damages you have suffered. Although there are tips that may help to mitigate the significance should an accident occur, law firms have the experience needed when representing clients who have fallen victim to a boating accident.
Tip #1: Be Aware of the Weather
The weather can take a turn at a moment’s notice. It’s important that you are aware of the conditions on the lake or ocean prior to taking your boat out on the water. Poor weather conditions can quickly make it challenging to navigate a boat, as a result, you could put not only yourself, but others at risk. Prior to planning an outing on your boat, make sure that you check the weather forecast for signs of inclement weather. Make sure that you take notice to conditions that may have an impact on your outing by looking for darkening clouds, rough waters or changing winds.
Tip #2: Make Sure You Have the Proper Safety Equipment
In the event of the unexpected, you will want to make sure you are prepared to respond in case of an emergency. Make sure that you have taken the proper measures to ensure you are able to manage the unexpected. It will be helpful to make sure that your boat is equipped when faced with an emergency situation by stocking your boat with:
- Life Jackets to Accommodate Passengers
- Air Horn or other Sound Producing Device
- Flare Gun
- The Proper Navigational Lights
- Flashlights and Batteries
- A Topped Off Fuel Tank
- Extra Mechanical Equipment
- Fire Extinguishers
Tip #3: Designate a Skipper
Should you become incapacitated, you will want to make sure there is someone who has the ability to take the lead in the event of an emergency. This person should have the ability to operate the boat, have an overall understanding of boaters safety, basic navigational skills and the ability to get everyone safely back to shore.
Tip #4: Communicate Your Plan
Before making your departure, first make sure that you have communicated your plans to someone. This may be someone at the dock you depart from, a friend or family member. This can help to ensure that in the event of an emergency, someone has an idea of your whereabouts.
Tip #5: Educate Yourself
One of the best ways to make sure that you are prepared to operate a boat is by taking a boating course. This can help to ensure that you obtain the proper education for operating a boat, especially when faced with an emergency. A safety course can help to make sure that you know how to respond with the unexpected.
A fun day out on the water has the ability to turn tragic, especially when there has been no safety preparation put into place prior to enjoying all that the water has to offer. Without the proper safety plans in place, an accident could occur. A lawyer has the ability to provide you with the legal support you need when faced with a tragic occurrence. Don’t risk your ability to retain the compensation you may be entitled to.
Source: Personal Injury Lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, Rasmussen & Miner