Boating Accident Causes That Are Usually to Blame, and What to Do About Them

A boating accident is self-explanatory: it’s an accident that occurs on a boat or with a boat. However, there are several types of boating vessels, and some carry harsher penalties. For example, if you operate a motorized boat and crash it, you’ll lose your boating license.

Many boating accidents can be avoided by not drinking alcohol before setting sail. Alcohol causes 250+ accidents, 200+ injuries, and 100+ deaths worldwide, so stay sober. 

Top 5 Causes of Boating Accidents

If you’re a boating accident victim in San Diego, consult The Gomez Firm. It’s possible you could be compensated if you were in one or more of the following boating accidents.

1. Running Aground (Landlocked/Cracked Hull)

It’s common to find land-locked boats a few meters from shore due to boating misuse. Inexperienced boaters may make the mistake of sailing too close to the shore, or experienced boaters may overestimate their ability to drive drunk. Either way, your boat is now inoperable. 

Sometimes, you’ll find the boat is operable but is stuck on the rocks. If you’re not careful, you could crack the hull and flood the bilge. Although you may feel embarrassed, It’s safer to get off the boat and call for help. You may be able to salvage your boat by limiting the damage.

2. Sinking Boat and/or Falling Overboard

Your boat could sink from misuse, but it’s more common that your hull is cracked due to how your through-hull fittings are made or tightened. While brass through-hulls corrode, they’re more sturdy. Plastic is cheaper but cracks if overtightened. Before setting sail, check for leaks.

If you sail without doing a thorough check, you may find yourself knee-deep in water. To avoid electrocuting yourself, install a cut-off-switch lanyard and pull it before the boat goes under. If you can’t swim or you plan to boat far from shore, always pack a lifejacket. It’ll save your life.

3. Running Out of Gas and/or Breaking Down

Running out of gas is the most common way boats break down, but electrical troubles, an old battery, an overheated engine, a broken belt, and faulty steering are other common reasons. Sometimes a vibrating or shaking boat could prevent you from sailing due to discomfort.

While a stalled boat doesn’t seem to be a big safety issue, it could become life-threatening if you’re parked above Niagara Falls or in the middle of the Gulf Stream. Maintain your boat regularly and give yourself a 10% safety margin on gas to avoid breaking down.

4. Ignoring Weather Conditions, Especially at Night

All boaters should pay attention to local or international marine radio stations that conduct weather reports on the water. Some storms will make their way to shore where you can visibly see them, but typhoons or large waves can’t be determined from where you’re standing.

If conditions are questionable, don’t leave port. If you hit an unexpected storm at night, don’t speed up just to beat it. You could crash your boat. For long trips, purchase a live radar, a battery-powered/arm-powered radio, and bring a lookout to prevent weather-based accidents.

5. Lacking Proper Safety Gear (Life Jackets)

Maybe you feel that life jackets don’t look cool or that first-aid kits are unnecessary, especially for short trips, but you need these items on board. What’s more, you need to ensure your safety gear fits you and that you’re always wearing your life jacket while on the boat.

It’s no laughing matter. In accidents where personal flotation device information was available, 81% of children die each year because they aren’t wearing lifejackets, 5% weren’t wearing one correctly, and 34% had a lifejacket present onboard but weren’t able to wear it.

Adults aren’t exempt from wearing life jackets, either. You only have a few moments of coordinated movement in 59^o F (15^o C) before your muscles fail. Always pack a canoe paddle, working flares, backup propulsion, lights, and a horn before leaving port to stay safe.

Final Thoughts

Boating accidents are more common than boaters may believe, but even if they weren’t, you don’t want to be a victim of a self-induced crash, capsizing, or sinking ship. If you follow our tips, you’ll have an enjoyable boating experience that keeps you and your passengers safe.