Boating 101: What You Need to Know for Spring Break
Spring Break is loved by students and families alike, with many cramming the calendar with fun activities. Whether you’re heading out of town or sticking close to home, Spring Break is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the start of the season. Lake Lanier is a popular destination, with many locals flocking to its serene shore. But it’s important to remember that a day on the water can quickly become dangerous. Spring break boating accidents are all too common. Our boating accident lawyers know this all too well, so we’ve provided some tips below to help you stay safe during Spring Break.
Essential Boating Safety Tips
Before leaving the dock, complete this checklist:
- Make sure you have a properly fitting life jacket for every passenger.
- Check that your first aid kit is fully stocked.
- Ensure that the boat’s lights, radio, fire extinguisher, and signaling device are in good working order.
- Check fuel levels.
- Consult the weather forecast to ensure inclement conditions are not expected.
Once you’re on the water, keep these tips in mind:
- Follow all boating laws, including speed limits.
- Never drink and drive.
- Make sure passengers wear their life jackets at all times.
- Be aware of other boats, tubers, or swimmers.
- Assign someone to take over boat operation in case of an emergency.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Taking a boating safety class is another great idea to avoid spring break boating accidents. Whether you’re still gaining experience at the helm or simply brushing up on the rules of the water, these courses help decrease your risk of a boating accident.
Legal Requirements for Boating in Lake Lanier
Boaters must meet the requirements outlined below:
- Keep a type I, II, or III personal flotation device on board for each passenger. (Type IV required for 16- to 26-foot boats.)
- Ensure people on personal watercraft and those under 13 wear their life jacket while on the water, even if the boat is not moving.
- Take a DNR-approved boater education course (boaters born on or after January 1, 1998).
- Never allow children under 12 to operate a vessel over 16 feet.
- Do not operate personal vessels between sunset and sunrise.
- Make sure the boat operator’s blood alcohol level does not exceed legal levels (.08).
Emergency Response and Rescue
Despite following the tips outlined above, spring break accidents and boating injuries happen. If you are involved in a dangerous situation on Lake Lanier, take these steps immediately:
- Evaluate the situation.
- Call 911 and request emergency medical services if needed.
- Deploy distress signals (flags, flares, etc.) if necessary.
- Administer first aid while you wait for help to arrive.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene if you can.
- If involved in a collision, exchange contact info with the other boater.
- Once help arrives, get the medical care you need.
Contact Ross Moore Law Today!
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you need a qualified attorney on your side. Here at Ross Moore Law, our trusted team has experience handling cases like yours. Whether your boating accident occurred on Lake Lanier or another Georgia waterway, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Call us today or book a free consultation online!
Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peach Tree, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.
Attorney Ross Moore and our personal injury team handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
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