Personal Injury

Issue: Boat- and water-related defect injuries

Boating Injuries: Basic Safety Information

How to Stay Safe on the Water: Basic Boat Safety Tips

Most boating injuries can be prevented through basic safety procedures. In July 2008, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a Safety Alert with several recommendations:

• Use a life jacket when aboard a recreational boat and be sure that children always wear life jackets. Life jackets are effective. Boating accident data shows that when mandatory life jacket requirements are adopted, drowning fatalities go down.
• Most parents would not drive anywhere without their kids in seatbelts, car seats or booster seats. Parents should not hesitate to protect their children on the water in a life jacket.
• Complete a recreational boating safety course approved by your State.
• Talk or write to your State lawmakers and urge them to support the NTSB’s recommendations that States require children to wear life jackets and require all recreational boating operators to complete a boating safety education course.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure on Houseboats

Another aspect of boat safety extends to those who live or sleep on boats. Many boats are equipped with heating systems which if are not designed or manufactured with proper ventilation can build-up dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide and poison occupants of the vessel. According to the United States Coast Guard, in 2007 there were 14 accidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning which resulted in 7 deaths and 40 other injuries. Learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

You can also visit these federal authority websites for additional safety information:

• United States Coast Guard
• National Transportation Safety Board

Legal Rights of the Injured

The law in most states provides individuals with legal claims and the right to compensation for injuries they suffer as a result of a defective product or the negligence of another. The injured person may file a lawsuit seeking compensation for his or her pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost past and future wages and punitive damages.

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