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Happy Summer Solstice!
There are two types of people, the ones who love summer, and the people who are wrong. Thursday, June 21st marked the first day of summer, also known as the summer solstice. With longer and warmer days officially welcoming us, people are more apt to get outside and enjoy the weather. One of the most popular ways to do so is by getting on a boat and sailing away.
Diving Deep into Safety
Everyone knows Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State, and that nickname is for good reason. Our coastline welcomes people all throughout New England to enjoy swimming and boating in our waters – but we must always remember these tips in order avoid boating accidents:
- Take a boating course. According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Rhode Island requires all operators of a boat who were born after January 1st, 1986, to have successfully completed a boating education course. This certification has to be carried on the boat as well.
- Avoid alcohol while operating a boat. 46-22.2-3 of the Rhode Island Law states that operating any watercraft under the influence will face various punishments depending on the circumstance. Some consequences include a mandatory fine, public ministry restitution, and even jail time.
- Learn to swim, but always wear a lifejacket. It may be fun landing a flip into the water from the boat, but it is certainly not fun risking drowning. In both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, certain boaters are required to wear personal flotation devices. All boats are also required to have a certain amount of PFDs on board.
Throwing in the Rescue Float
You can take all the safety precautions necessary, but still might find yourself getting into a boating accident. Seeking compensation for a boating accident is a little different than other types of accidents. Similar to other personal injury claims, boating accident claims are usually based on someone else’s negligence. But, boating accidents typically result from boat-specific issues, such as improper boat maintenance or reckless boating.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard stated that 66% of boating accidents result in injuries and 12% result in fatalities. Most injuries from boating accidents are a result of alcohol misuse, and the majority of the fatalities are results of operator inattention. Knowing this, it is extremely important to make sure safety is the number one priority when operating a boat.
Contact Us
If you were injured in a boating accident that wasn’t your fault, we want to help. With years of experience helping injury victims in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the lawyers at the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC are ready help you with your boat accident claim. Call us 24/7 at (401) 777-7777 or contact us online anytime.