SPEEDING

• Some people purchase or rent a boat without knowing or following the laws. Waterways have speed limits that vary depending on where you are. Many serious boat accidents, such as collisions and rollovers occur due to high speeds.

DANGEROUS WATER

• Water can become hazardous in a matter of moments. The current and tidal flow can change quickly and make it difficult to maneuver the boat. The ocean is unpredictable, and it’s essential to know the areas you’re sailing through. Some areas are known for being dangerous, which is why you need this knowledge ahead of time. Many boat accidents happen due to unexpected storms on the ocean.

ALCOHOL

• Alcohol is a common factor in boat accidents. There are similar alcohol laws on the water as on the road. The key is to be responsible, and when a boat owner is in charge of steering the boat, he or she shouldn’t be drinking alcohol.

BOAT MACHINERY FAILURE

• Some boat owners don’t keep up with the maintenance of their boats. The owner is responsible for routine checks to make sure the steering, motor and the hull of the ship are in good condition. When boat machinery isn’t up to date, serious accidents can happen.

BREAKING NAVIGATION RULES

• There are rules that govern the waterways to keep people and wildlife safe. When boat owners aren’t aware of the rules, collisions, and injuries can take place.

WEATHER

• It’s the responsibility of the boat operator to stay on top of the weather. Before any boat trips, the person in charge of the boat should check the weather report for that day and check while on the water as well. A storm on the water can happen quickly and cause operational issues.

BOAT INEXPERIENCE

• Knowing how to operate a boat and maneuver around other boats, water skis, and people in the water is essential. If the boat operator doesn’t know the basics of handling the boat during emergencies and navigation rules, a boat accident can be severe.

LACK OF ATTTENTION

• When you’re out on the water with a group of friends and family, it’s easy to get distracted. Many unexpected things can take place in the water, and if the boat operator is not paying attention, it can become dangerous. This is the leading cause of boat accidents. The boat operator should be looking for issues with the weather, other boats, wind, and more.

LACKING A LOOKOUT

• It’s always a good idea to have another person on the boat looking for any issues. Having a person designated for issues on the water helps to decrease boat accidents.

WAKES

• As a boat goes through the water, it creates a wake. The force of the wake can be pretty intense and can cause an accident.

RECKLESS BOAT OPERATION

• Many severe accidents take place due to reckless boating. Boat operators have a duty to operate their boat safely to ensure the safety of passengers and other boaters.

Jet skis, WaveRunners, waterslides, and other water toys are involved in accidents occasionally. Usually, they take place when the operator of a boat isn’t watching for water toys and people in the water.

Many times these accidents take place due to the negligence of the boat operator. If the boat operator is being reckless and not looking out for the people using water toys, accidents can happen. Jet ski accidents like other water toys can result in severe injuries and even lead to death. These accidents tend to be serious because water toys are exposed.

Occasionally, WaveRunner and jet ski accidents happen because of mechanical issues. The accident can be caused by defective equipment that would most likely be the manufacturer’s responsibility. If a lack of maintenance caused the accident, the responsibility would probably be the owner of the water toys or the rental company.