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ChatDid you know that in Rhode Island, anyone operating a paddle craft, such as a canoe, kayak, sailboard, kiteboard, paddleboard, etc., must wear a United States Coast Guard (USCG)-approved personal flotation device (PFD)? As a RI boat accident attorney, it is important to my injury law practice to stay on top of the latest watercraft laws.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we urge our fellow water lovers to abide by this law and all other Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management regulations to avoid being fined. However, more important to us than you avoiding fines is your safety on the water. Thus, we urge all our RI and MA community members to use USCG-approved PFDs on all watercrafts.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we know boating accidents are not 100% preventable. That’s why it is essential for everyone on the water this summer to review boating safety tips and use a USCG-approved PFD, such as a life jacket, as much as possible. If someone causes you or a loved one injury this summer, call us for a free and confidential discussion about your case!
In today’s blog, we review top reasons why it is important to wear a life jacket. Protecting yourself by wearing a like jacket, in addition to following other boating safety precautions, may help prevent or reduce your injuries this boating season!
1. Wearing a Life Jacket Reduces Your Risk of Drowning.
First and foremost, the main purpose of wearing a USCG-approved PFD is to avoid death or serious bodily injury by drowning. But just how important is it to wear one? Well, according to USCG statistics, drowning was the reported cause of death in 75% of all boating fatalities. Of those fatalities, 86% of victims were not wearing life jackets. The USCG also states that life jackets could have saved 80% of victims. This means that statistically, most boating deaths are preventable.
Studies show that in many cases, life jackets prevent drowning. However, if you are injured and not wearing a life jacket, you may still have a viable case against the watercraft driver, boating business, boat manufacturer, etc. that caused your injuries. Call to confidentially discuss with a RI boat accident attorney the specifics of your case.
When the worst happens at sea, we want our community members and visitors to be protected as much as possible. We recommend always wearing a life jacket while swimming and either wearing or keeping a properly fitted USCG-approved PFD close by when not otherwise legally required to. If you are injured in a boating or other watercraft accident, call us today to discuss your legal options.
2. The Most Common Boating Accident Causes Often Lead to Individuals Hitting the Water.
As stated above, 75% of boating accident deaths occur due to drowning. So, what causes these accidents? According to the USCG in 2022, 5 of the most common contributing factors leading to boating accidents included:
- Operator inexperience
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Excessive speed
- Machine failure
Other common boating accident causes our law practice has encountered include:
- Boating while intoxicated
- Negligent boat maintenance
- Hazardous weather conditions
These factors can and often do lead to a series of accidents that result in people being thrown overboard or otherwise ending up in the water. Common accident types include:
- Colliding with other vessels or even fixed objects
- Flooding/swamping (increasing your risk of sinking)
- Grounding
While you can experience all sorts of injuries on boats, such as tripping and falling, boat propeller injuries, and hypothermia, drowning is by far the most common. Wearing a life jacket during any of these accidents may just save your life!
3. Boating Accidents Are Unpredictable.
Another reason it is important to wear a life jacket while on the water is because accidents often happen quickly and seemingly out of nowhere. This means that you could unexpectedly end up in the water when you are ill-prepared to swim. You may also end up in the water, injured or otherwise, for a longer period than expected. Thus, wearing a life jacket or otherwise using a USCG-approved PFD works as a great backup and support mechanism to prevent you from injury.
The Providence River and Boston Harbor attract tons of summer fun, and rightfully so! Just remember to stay safe while making memories this summer and call a RI boat accident attorney if someone injures you.
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help on cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!
