As the weather warms and summer kicks off, boating on the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Lake Anna, and other waterways across Virginia shifts into high gear. The Fourth of July, in particular, is one of the busiest boating holidays of the year. But with fireworks, alcohol, towed water sports, and heavy boat traffic all in the mix, the risk of accidents rises significantly.
At Curcio Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating Virginia boating accidents can be. Whether you’re a boat owner, a passenger, or someone sharing the waterways in a kayak or on a jet ski, following a few critical safety tips can help prevent injuries and save lives.
Top Boating Safety Tips
Boating should be an enjoyable experience, but it only takes one moment of inattention, impairment, or poor judgment to turn a good day into a tragedy. Following safety guidelines helps protect everyone on board, prevents catastrophic injuries, and keeps our shared waterways safe for all. Below are some essential boating safety tips to keep you, your passengers, and others on the water safe.
Check the Weather and Your Vessel Before Every Trip
Sudden storms are common in Virginia during the summer months. Before shoving off, check the weather forecast and inspect your boat. This includes checking fuel levels, engine function, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, and signaling devices. Virginia law also requires certain safety equipment onboard, such as life jackets and throwable flotation devices. Make this part of your pre-launch checklist every time—especially if your boat has not been used in some time. Carry a basic emergency kit, including a flashlight, flares, a whistle, and first-aid supplies. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
Never Boat Under the Influence
Just like driving, operating a boat while impaired is dangerous and illegal. Alcohol is a leading contributor to boating fatalities. In Virginia, it’s against the law to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The risks increase dramatically at night or when navigating crowded waterways, such as on the Fourth of July. It’s best to designate a sober operator, just like you would for a car. Boating under the influence can lead to criminal charges and civil liability if someone is injured.
Wear a Life Jacket
Virginia law requires that there be at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket per person on board, and children under 13 must wear one at all times while on a moving boat. Even strong swimmers are vulnerable in the event of a collision or unexpected fall overboard. Ensure all life jackets are properly fitted and accessible. Inflatable life jackets are a lightweight and comfortable alternative for persons age 16 or older.
Be Cautious During Water Sports
If you’re towing tubers, skiers, or wakeboarders, you’re responsible for their safety. Virginia law requires an observer onboard and mandates safe distances from docks, swimmers, and other boats. Set clear hand signals with those being towed so you can communicate with them while they are in the water and keep speeds appropriate for the skill level of the rider. Make sure to reduce your speed in congested areas and avoid tight circles or risky maneuvers near other boaters. While your boat is underway, be alert for people in the water and give a wide berth to boaters engaged in water sports involving people in the water. Know the local laws for operating jet skis, as many lakes limit the hours of operation during peak hours.
Practice Safe Boating at Night
Watching fireworks from the water is a beloved Fourth of July tradition and attracts huge crowds of boats. But nighttime boating comes with limited visibility, increased traffic, and unpredictable movements from other vessels. When boating at night, make sure you are familiar with how to use navigation lights properly, travel at slower speeds, know and follow the rules of navigation, never assume other boaters can see you, and avoid alcohol if you’re the boat captain. Always follow directions from the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities.
If a Boating Accident Happens, Know What to Do
Despite taking precautions, boating accidents can and do happen. Every year, lives are permanently altered by reckless boating. A split-second mistake can result in serious injuries, lifelong disabilities, or even death.
Common causes of boating accidents include inattentive or reckless operators, boating under the influence, speeding, failing to follow navigational rules, and inexperienced boaters. Boat collisions can lead to falls overboard, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, burns, drowning, and other injuries. If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources if there is injury, death, or significant property damage.
- Document the scene with photos, witness names, and boat registration details.
- Contact an experienced boating accident attorney.
For boat accident victims and their families, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to take boating safety seriously—not just for your own well-being, but for the safety of everyone around you. By taking the right precautions and knowing your legal rights, you can protect yourself and others every time you head out on the water.
At Curcio Law, we help victims of negligence on the water recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our Virginia personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of maritime and Virginia boating law, and we’re committed to holding negligent boaters accountable.
If you or someone you love is hurt in a boating accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation, or call/text us at 703-836-3366 for more information. We’re here to help you navigate the legal waters—so you can focus on recovery.
Tom Curcio has devoted his career to representing people seriously injured or killed in car, pedestrian, bicycle, and truck crashes, and by dangerous dogs, unsafe products, and premises. He works tirelessly to obtain the compensation his clients are legally entitled to so they may rebuild their lives with dignity. Tom is the co-author of the book Evidence For The Trial Lawyer, and a much sought-after speaker on personal injury, trial practice, evidence, and professionalism. Contact Tom at tcurcio@curciolaw.com.
