While boating can be a great way to spend a summer afternoon, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are around 5,000 boating accidents a year in the United States and over 500 fatalities. In 2012, damage caused by boating accidents is thought to have cost around $38 million.
The beautiful climate in the Sunshine States and the plentiful lakes and rivers provide many opportunities for boating and with nearly a million registered vessels in Florida, it is no surprise that boating accidents are common in the Orlando area and the state of Florida.
Each year there are around a thousand boating accidents and several fatalities, according to state records.
The most common type of boating accident is a boat colliding with another boat or jet ski. Over 1,000 accidents happened as a result of this type of boating accident throughout the country, often resulting in death or severe injury. These types of accidents happen most commonly in crowded marinas or lakes, where there is a high degree of traffic.
Other accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Under Florida State Law there is no minimum age for operating a boat, hence inexperience often causes accidents. Many states now require watercraft operators to be at least sixteen years of age, and to pass a boating course. The states that have adopted these laws have seen a sharper decline in boating accidents than those states that do have age requirements.
There are often accidents due to boat operators not paying attention and being distracted. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the main cause of boating accidents in 2012 was operator inattention. In addition alcohol or drug use can lead to accidents.
Those involved in boating accidents often require expensive emergency medical procedures and cannot work for weeks or months or even years. In some tragic cases people die in boating accidents.
