May 19-25 National Safe Boating Week Emphasizes Wearing Life Jackets
The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and associated partners — including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — are kicking off National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), part of a national campaign to spread the message of safe and responsible boating to the American public. This year’s theme, “Wear it!” is encouraging everybody in a boat to get into the habit of wearing a life jacket and being alert and aware while on the water.
According to the NSBC, some 500 people drown nationwide each year from recreational boating accidents. The executive director of the NSBC said the council was emphasizing the life-saving practice of wearing life jackets this year because most boat-accident-related drowning deaths can be avoided.
“Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket,” he said. “There’s no reason why you, your family and friends, can’t have fun on the water while also choosing always to wear a life jacket.”
Safe Boating in Florida
Florida has close to 1 million vessels registered in the state — the nationwide leader. It also leads the nation in boat-related fatalities per year. In 2010, there were 668 reportable FL boating accidents resulting in 389 injuries and 79 fatalities. Most of the deaths were the result of people falling overboard and drowning.
Although wearing a life jacket while in a boat is not a mandate in Florida for most people, children under 6 are required to wear life jackets in boats that are under 26-feet while the vessel is underway.
Stay Safe, Be Smart on the Water
The boat crash attorneys in Florida at Farah & Farah commend the NSBC and FWC for their efforts to keep Florida’s waterways, coasts and lakes safe. However, if you have been injured on or in the water due to another boater’s negligence or carelessness, call us at (800) 533-3555 to discuss your legal options today.
