07/03/2022
BOATING SAFETY IN ARKANSAS
By: Clark Mason July 2, 2022
Summer is here, and with it comes boating season. Whether you own a boat, rent a Jet Ski for fun, or enjoy party boats for celebrations, water safety should always be paramount. Your day out on the water should be fun from beginning to end, and without worry anyone will suffer injury or tragedy.
We at CLARK MASON ATTORNEYS have put together a "boating safety checklist" to help you stay safe, protected, and alert while enjoying your day on the water, and may help prevent a needless and serious boating accident.
General Safety Equipment:
The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement require mandatory items for boats in the US, including registration numbers, floatation devices, distress signals, fire extinguishers, lights, and more. However, this is just the bare minimum.
We also suggest the following, which may apply to most any boat:
First aid kit.
Anchor
Bailing device
Oars/paddles
Cellphone to call for help
Snorkel and mask
Knife
Diver down flag if diving
Weather radio
Flashlight
You might also have a toolkit handy for minor engine repairs, an extra fuse and always check your fuel and the weather before you leave the dock. It’s also important to have a “second-in-command” who can operate the boat in the event the primary owner or operator is incapacitated or injured.
Arkansas boating laws outline all safety equipment that is mandatory based on the type of vessel. For example, powerboats, sailboats, and most manually operated vessels are required to have personal floatation devices on board for every individual, and powerboats must have a fire extinguisher on board.
Staying Safe on the Water in Arkansas:
One of the most important ways to stay safe on the water, whether you’re fishing, waterskiing, or sailing, is wearing a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning, and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.
And NEVER swim or enter the water at or near any dock that is connected to electrical current. It can be deadly. Some of our most tragic cases have occurred as a direct result of death from electrocution while swimming near docks connected to electrical power.
Don’t take that risk!
There are other ways to keep yourself, your passengers and other boaters safe while on the water. Here is a good checklist you may want to use for your convenience.
Before leaving:
Safety preparation begins before you leave the dock. Check the engine, bilges, and pump to make sure everything is in working order.
1. No matter how short or how long you plan on be on the water, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
2. Ensure the weather is clear with no storms or rough waters expected.
Identify any weak or non-swimmers in your party and ensure they are wearing life jackets.
3. Show everyone on board where emergency items are located.
4. Don’t forget to attach the kill switch.
5. Ensure proper ventilation around the engine’s exhaust area.
Now that you’re ready to go, it’s time to enjoy your day.
While on the Water:
Safety doesn’t stop once you get to your spot on the lake or river.
1. Drink responsibly – whether you are the owner, driver or a passenger. If you are operating a boat, you can be charged with DWI or DUI just as if you are driving.
2. Stay alert for sudden changes in weather and act accordingly.
3. Monitor fuel usage to be sure you have enough to get back to dock.
4. Be familiar with the waters you’re navigating.
5. Obey all signs and regulations.
6. Keep a safe distance from other vessels, personal watercraft, and swimmers.
7. Cut the engine and refrain from idling in one place too long if your boat has an enclosed area or cabin to avoid carbon monoxide risk.
Finally, after a long day, don’t forget to take these important measures back at the dock.
Returning From Your Time on the Water:
It can be even more important to take safety measures when you return from a day of boating, since everyone is often tired or distracted. This can be precisely when an accident may occur. Please take these safety tips into consideration:
1. Bring in and moor your boat correctly, and at a slow and appropriate speed.
2. Ensure that anything you’re removing is fully out of the boat.
3. Ensure the engine and power are off.
4. Help your passengers safely disembark.
5. Check in with your emergency contact to let them know you arrived safely.
Obviously these steps vary according to what type of boat you have, whether you rented it or own it, and whether you are a the “skipper” or a passenger.
Regardless, we at CLARK MASON ATTORNEYS are here to help if you have been involved in a boat accident here in Arkansas. Our experience is essential to making sure you receive all the compensation you need and deserve. We offer vital representation to accident victims and their loved ones throughout Arkansas. Call us at 501-219-0077 or complete our contact form on our website, clarkmason.com, to schedule an appointment.
