Thousands of boat crashes happen every year, and while there are a number of factors that contribute to them, most collisions have similar characteristics – and also may have been avoidable – if the operator of the vessel had taken precautions.

A report issued in May 2023 by the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,040 accidents in 2022 that involved 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries and approximately $63 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. The fatality rate was 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels which represents a 1.8% decrease from 2021, according to the Coast Guard.

In 75% of the boating accidents, victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 85% were not wearing a life jacket. There were 173 accidents in which at least one person was struck by a propeller, resulting in 41 deaths and 182 injuries.

According to the Coast Guard, operator inattention is the most common contributing factor in boating accidents. Operators must remember that staying safe is the number one priority on the water. Others include:

• Operator Inexperience: Boat operators need to not only know the relevant laws for operating a boat but also know any specifics of the vehicle they intend to operate out on the water. A boating course is an excellent first step toward gaining experience.
• Improper Lookout: This includes both failing to appoint a lookout and the appointed lookout not keeping a close eye on the boat’s surroundings.
• Reckless Actions by Operators, Passengers or Skiers: Even though boats operate on water, reckless actions by anyone onboard a boat can result in serious consequences. This includes overloading the boat with too many people, which can – in extreme cases – lead to capsizing.
• Equipment Failure: Just like any other vehicle, boats need regular maintenance. Failure to stay up to date on boat maintenance could cause it to crash or capsize. Issues with the engine or steering can lead to serious injuries.
• Speeding: An open body of water may seem like the perfect place to test a boat’s speed. However, slower speeds make other boats, hazards and obstacles easier to see. There are also laws requiring boaters to heavily reduce their speed when in close proximity to the coastline or anchored vessels.
• Alcohol Use: Blood alcohol content (BAC) laws are the same for both boaters and drivers. Operating a boat with a BAC of greater than 0.08 is a criminal offense.

It’s important to stay safe, mostly by using a commonsense approach. Following basic rules can help prevent turning what was supposed to be a peaceful day on the water into a potential nightmare. While there’s never a guarantee you can avoid injury, staying aware of your surroundings and exercising good judgment can go a long way toward reducing the risk of a boating accident.

Cooper Levenson is a full-service law firm established in 1957. The firm includes 70 attorneys with offices in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Wilmington, Del.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla, and Las Vegas, Nev. Call Cooper Levenson Personal Injury Lawyers at (609) 572-7788.