According to the U.S Coast Guard, in 2017 there were 4,291 boating accidents that involved 658 deaths and 2,629 injuries.

With Labor Day quickly approaching, a lot of people like to spend their holiday weekend boating in a nearby river or lake. Here are a things to keep in mind to ensure a safe, successful boat outing:

  1. Don’t drink and drive. – Alcohol use is the number one contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. 
  2. Avoid excessive speed. 
  3. Know your surroundings. – Stay in marked channels and always be on the lookout for other boats and divers. 
  4. Wear a life jacket. -76% of fatal boating accident victims drowned and 84.5% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket. 

If you or a loved one is the victim of a boating or water accident, call the personal injury lawyers at McGRATH GIBSON as soon as possible after the accident at (904) 358-3300. We have the knowledge and experience to help.