How to Avoid Boating Wrecks (and What to Do If It Happens)

Most outings on a boat end with a day well spent on the water with friends or family to catch some fish or relax in the sunshine. However, no matter how careful and responsible you are, there's always the chance of boating wrecks.

You can prepare as much as possible for a safe boating adventure, but if you or another boater makes a mistake, a collision could occur. So, how can you avoid a boating accident, and what should you do if one happens anyway? Keep reading to learn some of the most common causes of accidents on the water and how to handle it if it happens to you.

What Are the Most Common Ways You Can Get Into a Boat Wreck?

Wrecks are more common with inexperienced boaters, but that doesn't mean more advanced boaters are immune. 

Anyone can be in a vessel accident, regardless of how long they've been operating a boat or what kind of training they have. Still, the more you know about boat wrecks, the more you can reduce your risk. Here are a few common causes of wrecks on the water.

1. Operator Inattention

Distractions, such as using a phone or talking to passengers, can lead to collisions. It's essential to stay focused on operating the boat and save socializing for when you're anchored or moored somewhere.

2. Speeding

Excessive speed reduces your reaction time, increasing the risk of crashes. You won't be able to change course or avoid an object as easily, and those few seconds could make all the difference.

3. Poor Weather Conditions

Fog, strong winds, and rough waters can lead to loss of control, making navigation more difficult. Additionally, not being able to see well in bad weather could mean colliding with something you could have avoided on a sunny day.

4. Mechanical Failures

You don't want to ignore routine maintenance on your boat, as a lack of maintenance can cause issues like engine failure or loss of steering. A mechanical failure can quickly lead to an accident.

5. Navigation Errors

Misreading charts, ignoring buoys, or straying into shallow water can cause wrecks. It's crucial to focus on where you're traveling to and the safest way to get there.

Take time to plan your route before you leave the dock.

6. Alcohol or Drug Use

Impaired judgment and reaction time significantly increase the risk of accidents and lead to many boating wrecks that could have been avoided. If you're going to drink or use substances, make sure you designate a sober captain to operate the boat.

7. Collisions with Other Boats or Objects

Failing to keep a proper lookout can lead to accidents with other vessels, docks, or debris. It's easy to get distracted or focus on something other than the water ahead, but paying attention is crucial to safe and responsible boating practices.

How to Avoid Boating Wrecks

The good news is that most boat accidents can be avoided. By staying aware and taking good care of your boat, you can keep yourself and others safe on the water.

Stay Alert

Among the best ways to avoid a boat accident is to always be aware of your surroundings, including other boats, obstacles, and changing weather conditions. When you're alert, you can react more quickly.

Follow Speed Limits

Always operate your boat at a safe speed, especially in crowded areas or near docks, where the risk of a collision with another vessel increases significantly.

Check Weather Forecasts

Avoid heading out in bad weather and return to shore if conditions worsen. It's no fun to cancel a day of boating, but it's a much better choice than ending up in an accident or other dangerous situation.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Inspect your boat, engine, and safety gear before every trip to ensure everything is in good working order and that you have the proper safety equipment for the length and type of trip you plan to take.

Know the Waterways

When you familiarize yourself with local navigation rules, markers, and hazards, you reduce your risk of an accident and are less likely to make a mistake that could lead to a collision.

Stay Sober While Boating

Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's just not worth the risk. Avoiding substances while boating is the best way to ensure safe operation.

Use Proper Lighting and Signals

Ensure your navigation lights work and follow right-of-way rules to reduce collision risk. You could end up in a serious accident if another vessel can't see you or you don't yield to a boat with the right of way.

The First Thing to Do in a Boating Accident

The goal is to avoid accidents, but sometimes that's just not possible. Knowing what to do in a boating accident is the next best thing to reduce the risk of serious injuries and get help quickly.

Check for Injuries

The first thing to do in a boating accident is to ensure no one is injured. Make sure everyone onboard is safe, and administer first aid if necessary.

Call for Help

After checking for injuries and helping injured passengers, use a VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard or emergency services on Channel 16. The sooner you call for help, the better.

Stay with the Boat (If Possible)

Unless the boat is sinking, remaining onboard increases visibility to rescuers, making it easier for them to find you as quickly as possible.

Use Safety Gear

Deploy life jackets and signal devices, such as flares and whistles, if needed, so passengers who end up in the water can stay afloat and be easily located by rescuers. 

Prevent Further Damage

If you can, move the boat to a safer location away from hazards. This may not be an option if the vessel is badly damaged, but it should be possible in a minor accident.

Document the Incident

Just like with an auto accident, take notes and photos for insurance and legal purposes. Documentation is vital for determining fault, getting covered medical care, and more. 

Learn More About Staying Safe on the Water With a Boater Education Course

Keep these tips in mind every time you leave the dock! A safe day on the water means you get to enjoy more boating adventures throughout the season.

One of the best ways to be prepared for anything that could happen while boating is to take a boater education course. Doing so can help you stay safe on the water and reduce your risk of an accident. Plus, most U.S. states and Canada require boaters to pass a boating safety course before operating a motorized vessel.

Reduce your chances of boating wrecks (and have more fun this season)!
Take the Boat-Ed course for your state or our course for Canadian boaters and enjoy the water safely.