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At this time of year, the many boat owners of Western New York are out enjoying the beautiful bodies of water we have in and around Buffalo. Unfortunately, many injuries occur each summer from boating accidents. Most of these injuries can be avoided by following good common sense precautions and by following New York State’s boating regulations.

According to the “ New York State 2012 Recreational Boating Report ” compiled by New York States Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, as of December 31st, 2012, there were 463,539 vessels registered in the state. During 2012, the report revealed that there were:

· 241 Reported Accidents

· 126 Injuries

· 26 Fatalities

TWELVE Ways to Avoid an Accident or Injury While Boating

1. Wear a life jacket while on a boat. The Coast Guard suggests that nearly 80% of all boating fatalities might have been prevented had the victims been wearing a life jacket. A properly donned life jacket is the surest wat to ensure survival in a boating accident.
2. Don’t drink and drive drunk. Alcohol is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents in New York State. Between 2005 and 2012, alcohol use was found to be a primary contributing factor in 38 boating accident fatalities. New York allows open containers in a boat but you may be checked for intoxication. Canada does not allow open containers on board.
3. Keep an emergency radio or charged cellular phone on board. In case of an emergency, you should have a way to call for help.
4. Take a Power Squadron boating safety course. The best way to understand as much about boating as you can before heading out is to take a safe boating class. Find a safe boating class near you.
5. Keep required safety equipment on board. Be sure that you have a life jacket for each person on board, a fire extinguisher, a visual distress signal, flares, a first aid kit, and even extra fuel, just in case.
6. Draft a float plan . Complete a float plan before going out on your boat, and leave it with someone reliable. If you don’t return as scheduled, your friend can notify the Coast Guard or local authorities if necessary.
7. Avoid boating at night. However, if you are out late, make sure you know where you are going, use proper charts or GPS, make sure that your lights are working, and proceed with caution.
8. Keep your eyes on the water and pay attention when operating your boat. Operator inattention is one of the most common causes for all boating accidents. Watch for swimmers, kayaks, scuba divers, jet skis, or other small water craft.
9. Check the Weather. The weather on the lakes and river around Buffalo, NY can change in a moments notice. Make sure you check the weather frequently for any changes in the forecast.
10. Keep the boat in good condition. Check the fuel, oil level, lights, condition of boat lines, bumpers, bilge for excessive water, batteries, and make sure you have adequate food and water aboard. A properly maintained boat will allow you to avoid a serious injury or death. Did you know that you can have a free vessel safety check by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary ?
11. Purchase a GPS. Invest in a GPS or good charts to help you avoid shoals or shallow water.
12. Watch your speed! Speeding on the water is just as dangerous as it is on the road. It’s also against the law.

If you are the victim of a boating accident and you need legal representation, please call personal injury attorney Craig Z. Small of the Small Law Firm at 716-847-2600 or go to www.smallaw.com for more information.

Enjoy your summer and your boat! Just remember to follow these important safety tips to avoid personal injury in a boating accident in Buffalo and throughout Western New York. Have fun and be safe!

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