When people think of Canada, our long and harsh winters are one of the first things to come to mind. But our summers are just as legendary! Almost eight percent of Canada is covered by freshwater, so it’s no wonder that boating is one of the number one summer activities here. The endless lakes and rivers offer the perfect place for summer fun, but that doesn’t mean you should take boating and watercraft safety lightly. The good times can quickly come to an end when someone is injured. Serious accidents can result in the need for a brain injury lawyer to ensure the victim gets all the help possible during their recovery.
Boating Accidents
Most boating-related incidences and injuries are caused by:
- Not wearing a life jacket
- Falling overboard or capsizing
- Being involved in a collision
- Operating a watercraft/boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
These causes are also easily avoidable in most cases. In Ontario, a life jacket or personal flotation device is required for each person on board. But you don’t have to be wearing a life-jacket or personal flotation device. Who has time to reach for it during an emergency? In most cases, not many. Stick on the safe side and wear it at all times while you’re on the water. About 1/3 of the time, alcohol is involved in boating fatalities. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a boat or watercraft is very dangerous. You’re putting yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the water at risk. Staying sober will lessen your chances of being involved in a collision with others on the water. If you don’t think serious boating accidents happen often around Ottawa, think again. Just last year, a woman was struck by a watercraft on the Gatineau River. She suffered a very serious brain injury that has taken a lot of time to heal from, both mentally and physically. In these serious cases, a brain injury lawyer will know how to handle the personal injury case to ensure that the rightful compensation is given to the victim.
Safety on the Water
An accident can happen in an instant, and head injuries are a very common result of those accidents. A brain injury lawyer can help determine whether or not you have a valid personal injury case, but right now, you want to do your best to stop the accident from happening in the first place. So what else can you do to try and ensure you have the best (and safest) time on the water? Prepare!
- Make sure to monitor the weather forecast before you head out for the day. Furthermore, keep monitoring it while you’re out on the water. It can change very quickly.
- Inspect your boat or watercraft before you leave.
- Know the restrictions and follow the rules. They’re put in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.
For further safety tips, click here. Keep your summer full of good memories by following these safety tips to avoid injury. Whether you’re spending the day tubing, fishing or just relaxing on a boat, make sure you follow these safety tips and any regulations posted to avoid accidents. If you or someone you love has been involved in a boating or water craft accident that resulted in a serious brain injury, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.