Name: LegalService
Item: The Louthian Law Firm
Rating: 5
Author: Sunceray Williams

Kick Off Boating Season with Safety Checklist

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Spring is here, the weather is warming up, and South Carolinians in Columbia and throughout the state are ready to get out on the water. In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, which is May 18-24, and to help reduce accidents, it’s a good idea to kick off boating season with a safety checklist to ensure that you and your boat are water-ready. Investing a little time now in accident prevention may save lives later.

Boating Accident Statistics

In 2017 there were nearly 4,300 recreational boating accidents throughout the country, in which 658 people died and another 2,629 were injured, according to the latest official accident data from the U.S. Coast Guard. Drowning was the cause of death in four out of five fatalities, and 84.5 percent of people who drowned were not wearing life jackets. The top contributing factors in boating accidents were inattention, improper lookout, inexperience, machinery failure and alcohol use.

Boating Safety Checklist

To ensure that your boat is ready before taking the helm, you might consider scheduling a free vessel safety check with your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. If you are new to boating, or even if you are a seasoned boat operator, taking a boating safety course is never a bad idea. Coast Guard statistics for 2017 show that only 14 percent of fatalities were on boats where operators had taken boating safety courses. Also, boaters under 16 years old are required to take a safety class before driving a boat without supervision.

Here is a checklist for boats and boaters:

Be sure your boat is equipped with the following —

Life jackets for everyone on board and anyone being towed
Flotation cushion, life ring buoy or other throwable flotation device on boats 16 feet and longer
Fire extinguisher or more than one extinguisher depending upon the boat’s size
At least two communication devices that work while wet
Working navigation lights, which must be on between sunset and sunrise
A bell, whistle or other sound-producing device for boats less than 39.4 feet long. Vessels larger than that—from 39.4-65.6–feet must carry a whistle and a bell.
Flares for boats navigating in coastal waters.

Operators and passengers can help stay safe with these tips —

Check the weather before heading out and during your trip.
Dress for weather conditions and bring a set of extra clothes in case you get wet.
Wear your life jacket. While not required except for children under 12, it’s smart for everyone to wear life jackets while boating instead of wasting time putting them on should an accident occur.
Travel at safe speeds. According to South Carolina law, boats must be operated at idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored boat, a person in the water, a dock, wharf or pier, or within 100 yards of the coastline.
Don’t operate a boat while distracted or while under the influence of alcohol.
File a float plan with details about your trip with someone on land.

Seeking Help

If, in spite of your diligent preparations, you are the unfortunate victim of a boating accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys at the The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers in Columbia are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Sunceray Williams

I had an excellent experience with Louthian Law Firm. In a very bad situation they were able to provide great assistance and get me the settlement I deserved. I would definitely recommend them to anybody looking for a great lawyer that will not quit.

Jessica M. Terenzini

The Louthian Law Firm went above and beyond for our family! We could tell from the start that Bert and his staff cared about us, not just “the case”. Thank you, Bert!

Michael Horger

Bert is by far the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He got the job done fast, effectively, and most importantly he listened to what we had to say. In the future, should I need an attorney for a personal or business matter, Bert is my go to guy.

Linda Hawkins

On behalf of my family and me, I would like to commend Bert Louthian and his firm for the exemplary handling of our recent wrongful death suit against a county whose employee was responsible for the death of my husband. Bert and his associates were successful in getting our family the maximum award allowed by law. More importantly, he did so while treating us like individuals and not as dollar signs for his firm. No one in my family had ever before been involved in such a situation. This was a very emotional time for us. We were coping with the loss of our loved one as well as the stress of attempting to right a wrong. We could never have achieved this alone. We were unfamiliar with what could or should be done, and during the course of litigation, we had many questions. Bert always accepted our calls with understanding and answered our questions in a timely manner. He never made us feel we were a bother or an unnecessary burden on his work load or on that of his staff. He treated us with compassion and with dignity. He continues to advise us as to our remaining rights even though our case has been settled. I did not know Bert before this incident. I therefore feel certain that he treats all his clients with similar concern and care.

Michelle Jordan

Louthian Law Firm went above and beyond for my case.