With temperatures soaring throughout southern Nevada and Lake Mead water levels rising, many people are seeking refuge from the heat with a soothing boat trip. That means that more people are enjoying Lake Mead than in recent years. Unfortunately, that also means a higher chance of a boat accident. To help you and your family stay safe on the water, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys offer the Las Vegas boating accident safety tips below.
Five Ways to Avoid a Las Vegas Boating Accident
Although there are fewer boating accidents per capita than car accidents or motorcycle accidents, water crashes that result in an injury do happen. The increased boating activity on Lake Mead prompted National Park Service (NPS) Acting Superintendent Mike Gauthier to say:
“Water levels are up, visitation is strong, and the majority of visitors are enjoying a safe, fun and healthy environment. Yet the tragic fatalities highlight the need to continually focus on safety and considerate behavior towards others.”
The good news is that it’s easy for you to avoid a Las Vegas boating accident by following simple common-sense guidelines. The Nevada injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys recommend the following:
1) Be Aware of Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast before hitting the water and monitor changing weather conditions while on Lake Mead. Storms can develop rapidly, and strong winds can pose serious risks. If you notice a sharp increase in wind speed, darkening clouds, rough waters, or hear thunder, then it may be best to head back to shore and wait for the weather to improve.
2) Always Wear a Life Jacket
Always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on your boat, regardless of your swimming ability. Make sure that everyone on board, including children and non-swimmers, has a life jacket readily available. Life jackets save lives in the event of an accident or unexpected immersion in water.
3) Follow All Boating Regulations
Familiarize yourself with The Handbook of Nevada Boating Laws. A large portion of Lake Mead is in Arizona, so if you plan on boating there then familiarize yourself with their boatings laws. Different cities may have different rules regarding speed limits, no-wake zones, and navigational markers. Knowing these rules ahead of time can help you avoid conflicts with other boaters.
4) Maintain a Safe Speed and Distance
Operate your boat at a safe and reasonable speed, considering factors such as visibility, traffic, weather, and water conditions. Maintain a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water. A responsible speed and adequate distance reduce the risk of a Las Vegas boating accident and give you more time to react to potential hazards.
5) Carry Essential Safety Equipment
Make sure that your boat is equipped with the necessary safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher, sound-producing device (such as a whistle or horn), anchor, first aid kit, and a throwable flotation device. Additionally, make sure you have a working communication device, such as a marine VHF radio or mobile phone, to call for help in case of emergencies.
Contact a Lake Mead Boating Accidents Lawyer
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you follow the advice above in order to avoid boating accidents. Unfortunately, some accidents occur no matter how safe you’re being. If you’ve suffered injuries in a boating accident caused by the actions or inactions of another party then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form for a free, no obligation consultation. Our accomplished attorneys represent accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and more. To get the settlement that you deserve while being treated with impeccable customer service, call ER Injury Attorneys today.