Boating accidents do not happen in a vacuum–something or someone causes the accident that ultimately leads to injuries or fatalities.

Alcohol Use

Families, friends, and even people on their own go out on their boats to enjoy time on the water. Many times as part of that enjoyment, alcohol is involved. The mix of sun and alcohol – even if consumption of alcohol does not exceed the lawful blood alcohol content (BAC) limit – can cause impairment. An impaired operator of a boat can be dangerous and lead to serious and deadly accidents. Plus, some situations may lead to criminal charges – intoxicated driving laws apply to boats with engines.

Distractions

When family and friends are having a good time out on a boat, whoever is operating the boat may get distracted. Friends and family, however, are not the only distractions. An operator of a boat may turn their attention to the radio, their electronics, or even things like watching jet skiers or a beautiful sunset. Whatever it is, it is easy enough for an operator to lose focus on the boat and the surroundings to pay attention to something else, and because of that inattention – however momentary it is – can lead to accidents. 

Driver Inexperience

Operating a boat may seem relatively easy, like driving a car, but there are boat safety matters that may vary from operating a boat compared to operating a vehicle. Knowing the rules and regulations, too, aids a person in the safe operations of a boat. Consider, too, that it is not just you and the boat on the water; there are other boaters, swimmers, jet skiers, and wildlife. Failure to get the right education on boat operations and safety can lead to mistakes that lead to accidents.

Fatigue

Like operating any vehicle, including a boat, fatigue is a problem for proper and safe boat operation. Fatigue can happen simply from being in the sun, but if you have been in the sun all day and swimming or sunbathing, it can all take a toll. Fatigue and operating anything, from a car to machinery to a boat, is always dangerous. 

Reckless Actions

Reckless actions by boat operators or passengers can lead to accidents. Recklessness occurs when you do something that you know or should know poses serious risks. Examples of reckless include:

• Overloading the boat with too many people

• Boating in a swimming area

• Using speed that is inappropriate under the circumstances (e.g., visibility restricted)

• Using excessive speed in crowded areas

• Operating while sleepy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Speeding

If you have a boat that can go fast, that's part of the lure and fun of the open water. But speeding is dangerous, even if you are the only boat in a one-mile radius. Like driving, accidents that result from speeding are often more serious and tragic than accidents that occur at lower speeds. The risk of more serious impact or collision is greater.