Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Boating accidents are prevalent in our state which has many lakes and rivers. Last year in Georgia, there were 11 fatalities related to boating accidents. One of the more common reasons for boating accidents is the lack of a skilled boat operator. Too many people are buying their first boat and never taking a boating safety course.

Have you ever hopped on a friend's boat and realized your friend really didn't know a thing about navigating on the water? Even worse are the weekenders, who show up on a warm Saturday and when the sun sets, they don't know to turn on their running lights so other boaters can see them.

The law requires boat operators to remain sober but what else is required? (By the way, boating under the influence is a criminal violation in Georgia just like DUI.) Your boat must be registered and you must have an adequate number of life vests on board. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers several excellent boating courses that I recommend not only for boat operators, but for anyone who rides in a boat. And don't forget that even though you may be a knowledgeable boater, the person heading toward you probably isn't. Just like on the highway, drive defensively when you are on the water and have a safe summer!

Resources:

Georgia DNR Boater Education

Boating Statistics

With the Georgia drought officially over and the warm summer weather here, Georgia is set for another season of swimming accidents. Over the July 4th weekend, one person drowned in Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens trying to help a 9 year old. Fortunately, the 9 year old was pulled to safety by another person. Even with lifeguards present, the victim was not able to be rescued. Having grown up around water, I know that serious injuries result from water accidents and most are preventable.

Many of us have backyard swimming pools or access to a neighborhood pool. What are your obligations as a host of a swimming party? Common sense says never leave the pool unguarded - always have someone in charge of watching the pool. Make sure your guests know how to swim and if they don't, insist that they wear a life vest.

If you are serving alcohol, it is even more critical that you have a designated person who is not drinking watch the pool while others are swimming. Keep lifesaving equipment next to the pool such as a reaching pole and a ring buoy. You should also have a cordless phone nearby in case you need to make an emergency call.

If you are going to the beach or a lake, make sure there are lifeguards present and use the buddy system when you go in the water. If you are not a strong swimmer put on a life vest. Do not rely on inflatable swim rings, rafts or noodles to keep you afloat. Find out more about preventing swimming accidents at the Red Cross Water Safety page.

Read more:
Officials ID Callaway Drowning Victim

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