Boating accidents can be devastating, causing possibly thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle, and also serious physical injuries. Learn seven important ways to avoid boating accidents, and what to do if you suffer an injury due to someone else’s irresponsibility or neglectful actions.

Watch the Weather

The first and most important thing you can do to avoid boating accidents is to watch the weather. Of course, getting wet is a guarantee when you’re engaging in watersports, but rain comes with high winds, lightning, choppy waters, and environmental conditions that can make boating flat-out dangerous. Know what the weather is going to be before boating, and if it looks bad, don’t go.

Check off the Boxes

Keep a checklist, just like you would if you were launching a rocket. Make sure you go over every aspect of your vessel from bow to stern. This will help make sure your boat always remains in tip top shape and it will keep you safer while you’re cruising the waterways.

File Your Plan

Make sure someone knows where you’re going and what your schedule is. All too often accidents become more tragic because nobody knows to be worried. By simply telling a friend, “I’ll be back in dock by 5,” they’ll know to be concerned if you don’t show up as promised. This can save your life.

Wear Your Life Jacket

Life jackets aren’t nuisances. They’re a vital part of your safety gear. Just because you can swim doesn’t mean you can forego the life jacket. It’s as important to boat riders as a seatbelt is to car drivers. You could suffer from cramps or encounter dangerous water conditions that make it hard to swim. Your life jacket will protect you.

Be a Good Swimmer

This should go without saying, but know how to swim. While you don’t need to be an Olympic gold medalist, don’t get on the water if you can’t swim a stroke at all. Be confident that you know how to swim and you can handle difficult water conditions.Consider taking lessons or getting in the local public pool for some practice so you’re sure you can handle yourself if you’re a novice swimmer. Either way, be confident that you know how to swim or can handle yourself in difficult water conditions.

Don’t Drink and Boat

Just as drinking and driving kills tens of thousands of people every year, drinking and boating is the leading cause of deaths related to boating accidents. Don’t drink if you’re going to be operating a boat, and avoid drinking if you’re going to be on a boat. Alcohol and boating do not mix.

Know Your Boat

Finally, know your boat inside and out. In 2015, 71 percent of all boating-related deaths happened because someone didn’t know their equipment. Take boating classes and make sure you know what you’re doing.

Boating Accident Attorneys

No matter how safe you are, accidents do occur, and when they occur due to someone else’s negligence, you can hold that person responsible. You may be entitled to collect compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings potential, damage to your quality of life, emotional trauma, and more. You’ll need help, however from qualified Nevada boating accident attorneys. If you’re in this boat, call Eglet Prince for help today.