Boat Safety Week kicked off the week before Memorial Day. It serves as an annual reminder to boaters across the state that being out on the water isn’t just fun—it’s potentially dangerous. And as we enter into summer, it’s crucial that boaters follow basic safety rules in order to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
The Texas Coast Guard reports there were 37 boating deaths in Texas last year, including 26 drownings. While the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports a different figure (32 boating deaths in 2011), both agencies agree on one point: the majority of these deaths were completely preventable.
“Of those 32 deaths, all but five were of people not wearing a personal floatation device,” said Jeff Parish of the Parks and Wildlife Department.
Texas has fairly relaxed laws on the use of floatation devices, and many people simply opt out of wearing them.That carries risks when boating accidents happen. According to the Houston Chronicle:
Those numbers, Parrish said, “speak for themselves. Wear a life jacket and your chances of surviving a life-threatening event on the water increases tenfold.”
That’s the biggest point marine law enforcement agencies, boating businesses and organizations are pushing this week as part of National Safe Boating Week.
The effort is aimed at raising public awareness of boating safety issues ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which traditionally sees a flood of recreational boaters hit the water.
Truth is, few boat operators or passengers wear a PFD at any time they are aboard a boat.
As is the case in most states, Texas law doesn’t mandate most boaters wear a PFD. Only persons on personal watercraft or those younger than 13 years old and in a boat less than 26 feet long that’s “underway” (not anchored, aground or tied to something) are required to wear one.
Texas law does require that boats on public water have at least one Coast Guard-approved PFD for every person on the boat and that those PFDs be “readily accessible.”
Another risk factor for boating accidents is alcohol. The Chronicle reports, “Coast Guard data indicates alcohol impairment is the most common factor in boating accidents resulting in a fatality.”
Just as we practice basic road safety, we have to practice basic water safety in Texas. Being involved in a boating accident can be seriously traumatic no matter the outcome.
About The Law Office of Kevin Krist
The Law Office of Kevin Krist has experience helping people who have been involved in an accident. This isn’t just limited to car crashes, but also boating accidents, ATV accidents, and motorcycle accidents, just to name a few. When you are hurt in a Texas accident that isn’t your fault, or if a loved one is killed through the actions or negligence of another—Kevin Krist may be able to help.
Contact the Law Office of Kevin Krist today to discuss your Houston accident case and what can be done. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and the damage the accident has done to your life. Call (713) 284-1660, or contact us online, today for a free consultation.
