BOATING SAFETY TIPS
We hope you are all enjoying your summer and the many amenities the Gulf Coast has to offer. It is a great time to enjoy fishing and boating activities. Remember to follow your boating safety and wear your life jackets. Sadly, each year many people are injured and lives are lost because of preventable boating accidents.
This month’s blog we thought we would share with you a few safety tips regarding boating. For additional information you can go on line to the Boating Safety Resource Center at www.uscgboating.org/resources or other boating safety internet sites.
The following are a few safety tips:
· Wear your life jacket.
· Always check the weather before you go boating. Pay attention to the weather reports as unexpected weather can and does happen.
· If you are an inexperienced boat operator take along someone with experience until you feel more comfortable handling a variety of boating situations.
· Do not operate a boat and drink alcohol. It will slow down your reflexes and more importantly a BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is against the law.
· Make sure you protect yourself and your passengers.
· We recommend that you take a course in boating safety, which is also offered online.
If an accident would occur it is the responsibility of the boat operator to file a report to the state agency that covers boating, the US Coast Guard or both, depending on the situation. Remember not filing a report is a crime. In Mississippi if the accident occurs north of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10) you would file with MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. If the accident occurs south of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10) you would file with MS Department of Marine Resources.
As personal injury attorneys, Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. can advise you on how to determine compensation for damages or losses. We strongly urge you to avoid making statements or signing anything related to an accident until after consulting with us. This helps to protect your legal rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. today for your free case evaluation with a top personal injury attorney in your area. Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.
