Florida Boater Education has Proven to Save Lives
Somehow, the concepts of an enjoyable day on the water and sitting through a training course do not seem compatible. However, when that training can help ensure that your enjoyment on the water is less likely to be marred by injuries or fatalities, it seems like time well-spent.
According to Florida statutes, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass a training course and have a boater safety identification card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater. While these laws leave many older boaters on the water without comparable training, statistics on 2012 Florida boating accidents show that operators with no boater education were involved in 71 percent of fatal accidents. Even if you were born before 1988, it makes sense to join the nearly 20,000 boaters who took the training by choice.
Whether in a classroom or online, approved courses provide comprehensive information that everyone should know before taking to the water, including the following:
- What to do before getting underway
- Heading out on the water
- How to navigate and operate safely
- State laws you must follow on the water
- Handling emergencies
- Participating safely in water sports
The statistics indicate that the more information you have, the better your chances are of avoiding accidents with other boaters. Unfortunately, even the best defensive actions cannot fully guarantee the safety of you and your passengers. Since many factors contribute to the causes of boating accidents, it is vital to retain an experienced Florida boating accident attorney if you suffer injuries in a boating accident. You need a lawyer with the resources to conduct a thorough investigation and the knowledge of maritime law to help protect your rights to compensation.
