In 2018, 29 people died on Texas waterways and hundreds more were seriously injured. May 18-24 is National Safe Boating Week and the perfect time to review safe boating practices before making your Memorial Day weekend trip.
Boating Accident Statistics
In 2016, there were 4,463 boating accidents in the United States, which resulted in 2,903 injuries and 701 fatalities, according to the American Boating Association. These accidents resulted in $49 million of property damage for the year. The number of fatalities were 11.3% greater than the previous year’s statistics. When it was known, the cause of death for 80% of accidents was drowning. Of these, 83% were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in boating accident fatalities. When it was known, 77% of deaths happened on boats in which the operator did not take a course on boating safety. 171 accidents involved at least one person who was hit by a propeller, which caused 24 deaths and 175 injuries.
Other primary contributing factors to accidents included:
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Improper lookout
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard says that some of the most common causes of boating accidents include the following:
- Capsizing, swamping or falling overboard – These accidents make up approximately half of all boating accidents. Capsizing occurs when a boat turns completely over or on its side. Swamping is when a boat stays upright but fills with water. People may fall overboard when intoxicated or when the boat suddenly shifts.
- Running out of gas – Running out of gas while on rapid waters can be life-threatening.
- Running aground – Due to distracted or impaired boating, operators may wind up on unintentionally on land. This can cause cracks in the hull of the boat that threaten its stability.
- Mechanical failure – Many boat accidents are caused by electrical problems, faulty batteries, malfunctioning boat lights, or other mechanical issues.
- Excessive speed – Speeding can make it difficult for the operator to stop when a hazard presents itself and more likely to cause an accident at night.
- Bad weather – A storm, heavy winds or other dangerous weather can cause some boating accidents.
- Failure to maintain a lookout – Some boaters fail to look out for others on the waterway. Others may collide with stationary objects.
Safety Tips to Prevent Boating Accidents
Some ways to prevent boating accidents include the following:
- Wear a safety ignition kill switch – Ignition kill switches stop the boat from running the engine and possibly hitting someone. Boaters should clip this switch to their belt loop or life jacket. The switches are standard on most motorized boats.
- Wear a life jacket – Texas law requires that a life jacket be available for every person on a boat. Children 12 and under are legally required to wear a life jacket while the boat is in motion. Drowning is the highest reported cause of death in boating accidents, and most victims are found not wearing one.
- Don’t drink and boat – Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% is illegal just like operating a vehicle with this BAC is. Violating this law can lead to the loss of driving privileges and fines. Drinking can also cloud your judgment and lower your inhibitions, which can increase the likelihood of being involved in a boating accident.
- Take a boater education course – Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 is required under Texas law to take a boater education course to operate a personal watercraft or a boat that has a 15 horsepower rating or above. You should also take a boating course to ensure that you know the rules of the waterway.
- Check the weather before heading out on the water – Avoid boating while there is bad weather or rough water conditions.
- Take swimming lessons – If your swimming skills are not that great, try to enroll in a refresher course in case your boat capsizes or you are otherwise thrown into the water. Most boating fatalities are the result of drowning.
- Don’t overload your boat – Avoid overloading your boat. Balance the weight of your passengers and gear and keep most of the weight low, especially in a small boat. Don’t allow others to stand up or move around while the boat is in motion.
- Inspect your boat before leaving port – Check your battery and fluids before venturing out. Check your gauges often for possible problems. Keep an extra flashlight and flares on hand in case you break down.
These are just a few ways that you can protect yourself and your family this boating season.
Texas Game Wardens’ Actions
The Texas Game Wardens commit to being in full force during Memorial Day weekend to ensure that people are boating responsibly. They will be looking to ensure that people are following the life jacket laws. Last year, Texas Game Wardens issued 571 citations for children not wearing a life jacket, as well as 1,613 citations for not having a sufficient number of life jackets onboard.
Additionally, the Texas Game Wardens will also be checking for individuals violating boating under the influence laws. Last year, they issued 162 citations to individuals for boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated.
