Arizona Waterways: Plugging Boating Accidents

Arizona waterways provide for some of the country’s most beautiful lakes and rivers, which is why it’s easy to understand why Phoenicians retreat to Arizona waterways to beat the summer heat. Unknown to most water-goers, though, is that, according to AZ Game and Fish Dept, Arizona averages fifth in the nation when it comes to boating accidents and seventh for total number of injuries on water. If those numbers have got you thinking, this article will help identify the leak that is causing such staggering numbers in Arizona’s waterways.

Common Reasons for Boating Mishaps

With Arizona averaging fifth in the nation when it comes to boating accidents, a main question to ask is what is contributing to boating accidents? To avoid being a statistic, here are the U.S. Coast Guard’s top five contributing factors to boating accidents:

• Operator inexperience
• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Machinery failure
• Excessive speed

It almost goes without saying that alcohol use/abuse aggravates these factors substantially. Indeed, alcohol is a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents amounting to 17% of all deaths. To help mitigate becoming a statistic, we recommend taking the AZ Game and Fish Dept. online boating class, though not required by law. Additionally, obtaining a copy of “The Boater’s Guide of Arizona” will apprise you of Arizona boating laws and should always be kept onboard the boat.

You, Your Boat, and Accidents

In 2012, the total number of boating accidents surpassed 4500 incidents and cost $38 million of damage to property in the aggregate. Of the 4500 boating accidents, 651 resulted in fatal boating tragedies. A majority of those—almost 71%–were the result of drowning. Not only is it extremely important to keep safety gear on the ship, but on your persons as well. Wearing a life jacket at all times is the best way to combat drowning. Further, many boating accidents have the effect of knocking a person unconscious. In a situation such as this, the only way to prevent drowning would be wearing a life jacket. For more information on common injuries involved in boating accidents and drowning, visit our boating accident page.

Getting Help

A boating tragedy requires special attention as it comes with personal injuries and financial burdens. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Cordova understand boating accidents in Phoenix and around Arizona, and recognize the legal complexities that are involved. If you, or a family member, has been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another, contact our office to schedule a free, personal, and confidential consultation.