Beware of Boating Danger on the 4th of July: Safety Tips

Beware of fireworks, drinking, and watercraft on the 4th of July. You’ll need to take extra precautions to stay safe.

Learn the potential dangers of boating on the 4th of July with safety tips to keep in mind from Geoff McDonald & Associates, experienced Virginia boat accident attorneys.

Dangers of Boating on the 4th of July

Any time you take your boat out on the water, you face dangers like colliding with other boats and drowning. But the risk is elevated on holidays like the 4th of July when more boats tend to be on the water and boaters may not be as focused on their safety. 

A few common risks to keep in mind include the following:

• Alcohol consumption: Many people pair boating on the 4th of July with drinking. Any level of drinking can impair judgment and lead to unsafe decisions, but people often drink to excess when celebrating the holiday. 
• Crammed waterways: Because the 4th of July is one of the more popular days of the year to be out on the water, lakes, rivers, and bays will likely be more crowded than usual. 
• Unsafe usage of fireworks: Some boaters may attempt to light fireworks from their boats, but the gallons of fuel and unstable surface makes doing so extremely unsafe. 
• Crowded boats: Inviting family and friends out on the boat may lead your watercraft to be more jam-packed than normal, which can lead to distractions while trying to maneuver the boat. 

Tips to Stay Safe While Boating on the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a day of celebration, and you may not want to kill the fun by implementing safety measures. Don’t take risks that could land you or someone you love in the hospital due to a preventable accident. 

To stay safe while boating on the 4th of July, follow these safety tips from a Virginia boat accident attorney:

• Plan adequately for the trip. Pack sunscreen, a first aid kit, and plenty of water. Bring at least one life jacket for every rider.
• Don’t drink and drive. If there are going to be drugs and alcohol on the boat, designate a sober skipper.
• Ask everyone on board to keep an eye out for other boaters. Boats can approach at high speeds from any angle.
• Avoid congested spots, as collisions can easily occur. Stick to the less-frequented areas of the water.
• Make sure all children are wearing a life jacket at all times. It never hurts for adults to keep them on as well. 
• Never set off fireworks from the boat — including sparklers. Save these for when you’re on land and away from buildings and other boats. 
• Bring a fire extinguisher on board in case any stray fireworks hit your boat. 
• Avoid boating after dark. If there’s a chance you’ll be on the water after sunset, make sure your lights are fully operable, and bring a spotlight on board. 

Injured in a Boating Accident? Call Geoff McDonald & Associates

Unfortunately, the 4th of July is one of the more common days for boating accidents. Even if you take all of the necessary precautions, another boat operator’s negligence may lead to an accident. 

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you may have a right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. The attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates have extensive experience guiding boat accident victims through insurance claims and lawsuits. Call (804) 888-8888 today to schedule a consultation for your boating accident case with a Virginia boat accident attorney.