Spring has officially sprung bringing warmer weather with it. These weather conditions encourage people to jump back into their beloved outdoor activities, especially boating. Whether it be a weekend trip to the lake or a spring break trip to the beach, it is important to keep in mind a few safety procedures as you head back onto the water after a long winter:
- While boating, be on the lookout for piers, docks, swim platforms, boat lifts, buoys, and markers, in order to prevent collisions.
- It is good practice to always wear a life jacket or, at the least, be sure to have the required number of life jackets on board at all times. All states have different age requirements for life jackets, so be sure to check what those laws are depending on where you are boating. In Louisiana, all persons 16 year of age and younger much wear a life jacket while on a vessel less than 26 feet long.
- Know your hand signals when water skiing and tubing. Having hand signals allows for non-verbal communication to allow a person being towed by the boat to communicate with the boaters.
- Assign someone to be the “spotter,” to ensure that someone is keeping an eye on the water and can alert the driver of other persons or any hazards in the water.
- Keep an eye out for the weather. Thunderstorms can cause dangerous conditions, like large waves, strong winds, and lightning. When it seems like a thunderstorm may be developing, it is best to just head to shore.
- Just like in a motor vehicle, it is never a good idea to operate a boat while under the influence. It is important to remember to drink responsibly.
The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).