Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | April 7, 2025 | Personal Injury
Boating is the ideal pastime for the often pleasant weather in Florida. However, just as can happen with any other type of vehicle, you can experience an accident while boating. Boat accidents, while not as common as car accidents, can be deadly in the worst-case scenarios.
To avoid your day ending with a trip to the hospital, you’ll want to make sure to watch for these top 10 causes of boating accidents:
1. Carelessness
Many accidents are caused by some level of carelessness. While everyone is negligent from time to time, it’s important to take extra precautions when you’re piloting a multi-ton vehicle. Plan carefully, and take breaks if you are tired or distracted for any reason to avoid a careless accident.
2. Lack of Equipment
Have you ever forgotten to pack life vests or extra oars before going out to sea? This type of mistake can cause or worsen an accident. Create a checklist of everything you need before you go boating, and double-check that it is all there before heading out.
3. Inexperience
There are several places in Florida where you can take boating lessons at a relatively low cost. Make sure to take advantage of one of these boating schools before going out on the sea.
4. Speeding
While there aren’t traffic signs in bays and oceans, you can still pilot your boat too quickly. The faster you are going, the harder it can be to react to danger. Slow down to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
5. Inattention
Distracted driving is a well-known cause of car accidents in the U.S., but it is also a common cause of boating accidents. It is easy to get distracted by the beautiful scenery in Florida or another passenger on your boat. If that happens, stop the boat until you can dedicate your full attention to piloting it.
6. Machinery Failures
Unless you are in a rowboat or a sailboat, your vessel is probably run by machinery. All machinery wears out over time. You should have your vessel inspected by a mechanic once or twice a year to ensure that it is safe.
7. Hazardous Waters
Typically, the waters around Florida are calm and deep enough for boat traffic. However, some areas have carnivorous sea life, underwater hazards, and rough waters. It’s best to avoid these areas whenever possible, and if you can’t, take precautions like mapping your route and wearing protective gear.
8. Navigation Rule Violations
Boats and navigation in Florida public waters are regulated by Chapter 327 and Chapter 328 of Florida’s statutes. If you are piloting a boat, you should be familiar with these laws and follow them the same way a driver adheres to traffic regulations.
9. Intoxication
Piloting a boat while intoxicated can be as dangerous as driving a car while intoxicated. Your response times are greatly reduced, and you may be much more likely to collide with another vessel or a non-moving object.
It is also dangerous to be intoxicated even if you aren’t the pilot. Intoxicated passengers may be more likely to fall overboard and get hurt or drown.
10. Weather
While many days in Florida are beautiful and sunny, the state still experiences rain and inclement weather. You should avoid boating in the rain whenever possible, as it decreases visibility, and wet decks can result in slip and fall accidents.
Enjoy Boating Safely In Florida
Understanding the common causes of boating accidents in Florida can help you avoid making a mistake that could result in someone getting hurt. If you take the right precautions and prioritize operating your vessel with care, you can safely enjoy boating in the Sunshine State.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000