Boating Accidents

Not all recreational boaters are familiar with boating safety rules. Serious boating accidents are commonly caused by excessive speed and alcohol, as well as general ignorance of emergency procedures.

An experienced lawyer should be contacted as soon as possible after an accident to begin the process of investigating the incident, preserving evidence, and taking the necessary steps to protect the injured.

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According U.S. Coast Guard statistics, "In 2014, the Coast Guard counted 4,064 accidents that involved 610 deaths, 2,678 injuries and approximately 39 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.... Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factor in accidents.... Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents."

Both Connecticut and Rhode Island have implemented boating safety education laws in an effort to limit recreational boating accidents. Pursuant to Connecticut laws, persons operating power boats that exceed 10-horse power or sailboats 19.5 feet or longer are required to have a "Safe Boating Certificate" or "Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation".  The certificates are obtained by completing an approved boating safety course. A compilation of the Connecticut Boating Regulations is available online. Similar education requirements apply to persons operating vessels in Rhode Island.

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