NOTHING SAYS “LOUISIANA” LIKE SPENDING TIME ON THE WATER. IF YOU HAVE EVER LIVED IN THE SOUTH OR SPENT ANY TIME HERE, YOU KNOW THAT BOATING AND WATER SPORTS ARE A WAY OF LIFE. WHILE HAVING FUN ON THE WATER, SAFETY IS A TOP PRIORITY. WHETHER IT IS CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE ENOUGH LIFE JACKETS ON BOARD, PERFORMING A MOTOR TEST, OR MAKING SURE THERE IS A SOBER DRIVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO BOATING.
Unfortunately, even when reasonable safety measures are taken, accidents are still bound to happen on our state’s waterways. According to the , U.S. Coast Guard 2019 saw “4,168 accidents that involved 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries, and approximately $55 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. The fatality rate was 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. This rate represents a 1.9% decrease from the 2018 fatality rate of 5.3 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. Compared to 2018, the number of accidents increased 0.6%, the number of deaths decreased 3.2%, and the number of injuries increased 1.9%.”
THERE ARE FIVE PRIMARY FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO BOATING ACCIDENTS THROUGHOUT LOUISIANA. THESE FIVE FACTORS ARE NOT EXCLUSIVE, BUT CONTRIBUTE TO A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF BOATING ACCIDENTS:
1. ALCOHOL USAGE WHILE BOATING;
2. OPERATOR INATTENTION;
3. OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE;
4. EXCESSIVE SPEED; AND
5. IMPROPER LOOKOUT FOR OTHER VESSELS, OBJECTS, OR HUMANS IN THE WATERWAY(S).
The Louisiana state boating laws encourage every boater to take a safety education course through an portal online or in person in a classroom setting. This course can assist you in learning proper boat and passenger safety, and help increase the chances you have a secure and enjoyable time out on the water. In the class, you can learn about hazards above and under the water, water safety, what to do if you are involved in a boating accident, how to help someone who is drowning, and more. The class also breaks down the necessities needed on each vessel such as flotation devices, sound and visual distress signals, lights for navigation, and other safety gear. Our firm highly suggest taking this course, whether you are an avid boater, or just periodically go boating from time to time for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A BOATING ACCIDENT OR HAS BEEN INJURED ON OUR STATE’S WATERWAYS, OUR FIRM IS HERE TO HELP YOU GET THE COMPENSATION THAT YOU TRULY DESERVE. DO NOT FIGHT THE FIGHT ALONE, CALL OR MESSAGE OUR OFFICE TODAY!
