The coastal state of Florida is perfect for
all sorts of boating activities, from fishing to water sports. Its citizens are
more than happy to take on the open seas. The state had over 931,450 vessels
registered as of 2017.
Just in case you are wondering about the safe boating rules, watch this video.
Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t rank as high
when it comes to boating safety,
according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard. In
a joint report, the agencies found that over 4,200 recreational boating
accidents have occurred in the country. More than 700 of them happened in
Florida’s waters, the most number of incidences in any state. California came in
second with 350, and Tennessee in third with 170 accidents. Although the
state’s beautiful waters are perfect or sailing, you may encounter a few
negligent boaters who could ruin your day -- or worse, your vessel. Here’s what
you need to do if you encounter one.
Check for Injuries
Before notifying the authorities, stop your
boat and make sure that everyone on the vessel, including yourself, is
okay. Do a headcount to see if anyone went overboard. Use the nearest
lifeboat or lifebuoy to get them out of the water. Ask each passenger if they
see any bruises or bleeding on their body and if they feel drowsy.
Call for help immediately if someone is
seriously injured. If everyone’s safe, it’s still best to check with a doctor
after the incident. Some injuries, like internal bleeding and whiplash, may
appear late.
Let the Authorities Know About It
After you’ve determined that everyone is safe
and accounted for, call the authorities immediately. Let them know about the
people who need emergency care first. Next, give details about the accident,
such as your location, the amount of damage done to your vessel, and the
identification of the other boat and operator involved in the incident. You
should also call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you get compensation from the
injuries and other damage from the accident.
Give Your Insurance Company an Update
After calling the authorities, take pictures
of the damage on your boat and cooperate with the other operator involved in
the accident about the next steps. You should also notify your insurance agency
about this problem. Tell them the same details you told the responders and send
in the images you took of the incident. If you do obtain a police report of the
accident, send it over to them, too. This way, your agent can give you the best
compensation for repairs and possible restoration work.
While boating may be a fun activity to spend
with friends and family, a single accident can ruin your experience and your
vessel. Apart from staying vigilant on the waters, know how to deal with
accidents. Ensure that everyone in your ship is safe and accounted for. Don’t
take matters into your own hands. Trust the authorities, your lawyer, and your
insurance company to guide you through your case and you’ll be back to smooth
sailing in no time.