Grab your sea captain’s hat because boating season is here!
The trailers and boats are out of storage, and a detailed polish is underway before ripping through the open water. Thousands of Georgians will be hitting the lake or ocean this summer, and we want to ensure you keep your loved ones safe.
An executive study done by the United States Coast Guard revealed that in 2014 there were an estimated 4,064 accidents on the water. This resulted in 610 lives lost, 2,678 individuals being injured, and over $39 million in damage to property due – all due to recreational boating.
Unfortunately, fatality rates have only increased in recent years to 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels. The number of accidents from 2013-2014 increased by 0.05%, and the number of deaths increased by 8.9%.
Recreational boating is meant to be relaxing and fun. However, when safety isn’t a priority, lives are at risk for injury and death. Far too often, boat operators are distracted by passengers, boating while under the influence of alcohol (BUI), or misjudge the amount of room they have between vessels.
In the state of Georgia, boat operators involved in an accident must report the incident immediately if the accident involves:
- Death or the disappearance of a person from a boat under circumstances that indicate death or injury;
- Injury requiring first aid or medical attention; or
- Property damage exceeding $2000 to all boats, docks, etc. involved in the accident.
In the event of a reportable accident, the operator/owner must file an accident report form which is supplied by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Most reports of accidents must be made within 5 days of the accident. However, you must report an accident within 48 hours if:
- A person dies within 24 hours as a result of the accident
- A person is disabled for more than 24 hours
- A person requires medical treatment for injuries
- A person disappears from a boat or PWC
The Basics of Boating in Georgia
It is always important to be knowledgeable about the vessel you are on or operating. Often time’s passengers and operators don’t know or understand the terminology of boating laws. Review the following terminology and hopefully you can grasp what some of the laws mean.
- Vessel: Any watercraft that is used for transportation on water (excluding seaplanes).
- Motorboat: A vessel that is powered by a mechanical device fueled by gas, diesel, or electricity.
- Sailboard: A vessel resembling a surfboard that uses a free-sail system with a swivel-mounted mast not secured by guys or stays.
- Starboard: Right side
- Port: Left side
- Bow: Front
- Stern: Rear
- Leeward: Downwind of a vessel.
- No Wake Speed: The speed where a vessel doesn’t make a wake (no more than 5mph).
- Personal Water Craft (PWC): Vessels that are less than 16ft in length. It uses an internal combustion engine, powered by a jet pump as its primary source of propulsion. These vessels are operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling.
Being educated as a passenger or operator of a vehicle is crucial. For many Georgia families, summers are spent on the water so introducing the basics to children and young adults is critical to their safety. It is imperative to point out where the fire extinguisher is on the vessel and to utilize lighting so other vessels can spot you. Last but not least, always wear a life preserver!
In Georgia, the following criteria must be met to operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC):
Those less than 12 years of age:
- May not operate any vessel over 16 feet in length.
- May legally operate a vessel under 16 feet in length which is either non-motorized or powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if they are accompanied by a competent adult.
Those 12 through 15 years of age:
- May legally operate any vessel less than 16 feet in length, including a PWC only if they:
- Have passed a boat education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources; OR
- Are accompanied by a competent adult.
- May not legally operate any vessel over 16 feet in length.
Those 16 years of age or older:
- May operate any boat on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification onboard.
- All operators born after January 1, 1998 must have passed a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have card on board to operate any vessel.
Competent Adult means a person of age 18 or older who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and who is carrying proper identification.
Proper Identification means a driver’s license (or legible copy) or any other government issued identification that contains a description of the person, a photograph and birthdate.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Call a Boating Accident Lawyer If You Were in an Accident!
The consequences in boating accidents can be severe for all parties involved. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident, we encourage you to contact our law office immediately. Our Atlanta boating and watercraft accident lawyers have a No Fee Guarantee, and we will work tirelessly to seek the justice you and your loved ones deserve. In the meantime, have fun and be safe on the water this summer!
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
