So many Louisiana residents love to get out on the water to enjoy all it has to offer. Whether using the water for recreation or as a means for business, the waterways are a busy hub that hosts a lot of boating traffic. This is why safety on the water is so important. With so many lives at stake, it is good to know what dangers await boaters on Louisiana waters.
It is always advised by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC that boaters wear their flotation devices when in and near the water to prevent drowning. Besides this fairly obvious safety measure, boating under the influence of alcohol is very dangerous and is the main factor in over one-third of all boating fatalities.
According to the CDC, seven-tenths of all boating accidents are due to motor operator error. When a boater does not know how to correctly operate their boat and how to navigate it on the water, it could mean they are negligent for any boating accident injuries he or she may cause.
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, and because of that, operating a boat needs to be taken just as seriously as driving a motor vehicle. That is why if you or a loved one were injured in Louisiana waters that you understand someone could be negligent, just like with a car accident injury. A full investigation can help determine if this is the case after a boating incident.
While there are no guarantees out on the water these days, there are rules and regulations that need to be adhered to by all boat operators. When these rules are broken and it results in personal injury, it is a serious matter. Water makes no difference over payment in these accident injury situations. If a victim suffers injuries in a boating accident, he or she could take action to recoup any losses or damages caused.
Source: cdc.gov, “Stay safe while boating,” Accessed Jan. 11, 2016