Boating Safety w/ Attorney Brian Brijbag

Boating

Safety

Don’t let fun override common boating sense and be prepared.

“The lure of the water makes boating a popular leisure activity in Florida. Unfortunately, if the proper safety precautions aren’t taken, boating can be extremely dangerous. Accidents can happen when a boat collides with another vessel, is overwhelmed by the wake of another boat, hits a wave, crashes into a pier or dock, or strikes a submerged object, rock or land.” - brijbaglaw.com B.O.W. had the opportunity to sit down with attorney Brian Brijbag and discuss a few different scenarios of what could happen, while out on the water, for commercial folks and recreational boaters. We also discussed what we all (in the boating community) could do to just set ourselves a little apart from the average boater, and be prepared in case an accident does happen. A 2021 USCG report shows an over 26% increase in boating accidents, compared to 2019. While it could be easily attributed to the Covid boat buying frenzy, it doesn’t change the fact more people are getting hurt and or dying in boating accidents, than in previous years. The number one reason for boating accidents, according to the USCG, is operator inattention, and Brian Brijbag added overconfidence, which makes perfect sense to us. There is definitely something to be said for overconfidence and it just falls into typical “human nature”. But, boating offers many variables and that overconfidence can definitely be a hindrance. So, the takeaway here, for us at B.O.W. is to always have your head on a swivel, when boating and if available appoint someone on your vessel to be a lookout, as well. And, as far as the overconfidence, approach situations in your vessel confidently, without panic or fear but, also give

Boating Safety

Mother Nature and the body of water you’re on the respect they deserve. It’s going to sound like we are beating that same old drum as the USCG, FWC, and others…but, lifejackets literally save lives, that’s their job! So, taking the chance of not having them is just plain ridiculous and negligent, in our humble opinion. Florida is the number one State in the US for boating accidents, and drowning calls for 79% of all boating deaths, of whom 86% of those folks weren’t wearing a life jacket. So, please captains, show your guests where the lifejackets are stowed and make sure they know how to get to them, in case something happens to you. Florida Law requires you to have certain safety items on board your vessel. Please, visit myfwc.org to see what is required by law for your vessel. Now, the bare minimum when it comes to boat safety is just that, the minimum. As your wallet allows, you may want to think about investing in an EPIRB, marine radio(s), life rafts, or other emergency (potentially lifesaving) equipment

instead of that next rod and reel combo. The more prepared you are physically and mentally, for an emergency situation, the better the outcome for you and your passengers will be. We look forward to more conversations with Brian Brijbag and bringing more to you our B.O.W. readers, in the coming issues. We don’t want to scare anyone away from boating; there is so much fun to be had on the water. But, the more educated we all are, out on the water, the better off the whole community on the water will be. And, being Better Off Wet is what we are all about. Stay safe, have fun, and God bless you, while you are out on the water. What should I do after a boating accident? If there is a boating accident, even if they don’t seem injured at the moment, contact emergency services immediately. This includes law enforcement and medical personnel when critical injuries might have occurred during this same time frame. Get medical attention first!

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