Enjoy Your Time on the Water with Safe Boating Tips

 Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com

Are you enjoying the warmer weather?  Boating season is right around the corner!  Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before you head out on your first boating trip of the year.

Boating Safety Tips:

• Check the Weather - ALWAYS check the weather before you had out on the water.  There are many resources that give information on wave heights, tides, and whether or not a storm is coming later in the day.  If you notice darkening clouds, play it safe and bring your boat back into the dock.
• Carry Enough Lifejackets - Life jackets are an important part of your boating experience.  Make sure that you have enough life jackets on board for your whole family and keep in mind that children under a certain age are required to wear a life jacket by law.
• Drive Sober - Alcohol related boating accidents are common, especially as we approach warm weather holidays.  Always avoid operating a motor vehicle when under the influence of alcohol.
• Take a Boating Safety Course - Beginning boaters and experienced boaters can both benefit from taking a boating safety course.  They help provide boating safety rules and make sure that you are educated and prepared for navigating local waterways.

If you are in need of legal expertise this spring, contact our office!  Our attorneys are experienced in law regarding recreational boating accidents.  In the unfortunate event you do experience a boating accident, our attorneys can hlp provide you with legal advice. 

Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Boating Accident Prevention Tips

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

There are many opportunities for recreational boating and jet skiing on Long Island.  However, many boating injuries occur each year due to negligence.  It is important to understand how to avoid dangerous and unsafe practices while boating.  Here are a few tips to help prevent accidents on the water.

Accident Prevention Tips:

• Keep Your Distance – Respect the space of the other boaters around you.  This will help you avoid blind spots and potential collisions.  Drivers of personal watercrafts, like jet skis, also need to be careful.  PWCs can turn quickly and accelerate rapidly.  Leave yourself enough space to react to other drivers.
• Mind Your Wake – Look behind you before you make a turn.  You should also be conscious of other boaters’ wakes. 
• Lookout for Shoals and Sandbars – Running aground is a common problem among boaters.  It is a good idea to obtain a nautical chart before heading out into an unknown area.  If you do run aground, stop the engine and check for damage.  You may also be able to push the boat off or use a kedge anchor.
• Proper Seasonal Maintenance – Keeping up with regular maintenance will extend the life of your boat.  Remember to change the oil once a year, inspect belts and hoses, and check for corrosion and oxidation.
• Maximum Capacity – Always make sure that the recommended capacity indicated on the boats’ capacity plate is not exceeded.

Many people don’t’ realize that they can receive compensation for injuries they've suffered in a boating accident.  You may be able to receive compensation to help pay for your medical bills and lost wages.  Our personal injury attorneys will investigate the boater’s homeowner insurance, your own health insurance, and whether or not a civil suit can be brought against the boat captain’s personal assets.

Learn more about boating safety here.  You can also contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. if you have experienced a boating accident.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.