Why You Should Take a Boat Safety Course

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact us TODAY!

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact us TODAY!

In a state surrounded by so much water, many Floridians have spent much of their lives in or around boats. But with boating accidents making up a good portion of injuries each year, safety is a topic that has not been at the forefront as much as it should be.

Florida requires boating safety courses for only a small portion of those operating boats: people born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who wish to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or greater, and violators. Exceptions include private lakes and people supervised by someone with a valid ID. However, taking a boating safety course is a good idea for anyone who plans to spend time around vehicles in the water.

A boating safety course may prevent an accident and might just save your life or the lives of those with you. But even if you aren’t in such dire straits, the knowledge gleaned from a boating safety course will provide you with information that will make a relaxing boating trip less stressful and give you more confidence on the water.

Topics covered in such courses include safety preparations, legal requirements, emergency situation reactions, and many other boat-related topics that will lead to smoother sailing. While many people think of boating accidents as less disastrous than roadway ones due to the forgiving nature of the water’s surface, the truth is that they are equally, if not more, dangerous, as the ocean has its own set of challenges. Being as prepared as possible is always a good idea.

If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in unsafe conditions, contact an experienced Tampa boating accident lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore are well-versed in Tampa boating laws, so schedule a free consultation today.