It's the Law: On the Water
Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries
Most propeller strike accidents result from operator error. Victims include
swimmers, scuba divers, fallen water-skiers, and boat operators or passengers.
Most propeller accidents can be prevented by following basic safe boating
practices.
- Maintain a proper lookout. The primary cause of propeller strike accidents is
operator inattention.
- Make sure the engine is off so that the propeller is not rotating when passengers
are boarding or leaving a boat.
- Never start a boat with the engine in gear.
- Slow down when approaching congested areas and anchorages. In congested
areas, always be alert for swimmers and divers.
- Learn to recognize warning buoys that mark swimming and hazardous areas.
- Keep the boat away from marked swimming and diving areas. Become
familiar with the red and white or blue and white diver-down flags signaling
that divers are below the surface.
- Make sure that passengers are seated properly before getting underway. Some
operators of larger boats with several passengers have caused injuries by putting
the engine in gear while people were still swimming or diving from the boat.
- Never ride on a seat back, gunwale, transom, or bow.
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