With well over 10,000 lakes, boating is a popular Minnesota pastime. Whether you’re out on the lake or cruising down the river this summer, it is important to know and follow state boating laws to stay safe and avoid boating accidents. If you have any legal questions regarding a boating incident or if you’ve been hurt in a boating accident, the attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group can help.
Best Ways to Avoid Boating Accidents & Injuries
Here we’ve highlighted a few tips to help you avoid boating accidents so you can have a fun and safe time out on the water. However, one of the best ways you can ensure your safety on a boat is to complete a state-approved boater safety education course, and in Minnesota it’s now required for youth and some adults to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit for motorboats and personal watercraft (PWC).
Don’t Overload Your Boat
The more the merrier until you’ve reached your boat’s weight limit. It’s important to follow capacity restrictions. Too much weight, whether from passengers or equipment, can make your boat harder to control and increases your risk of capsizing.
Don’t Drink & Boat
Drinking and operating a boat is illegal. In the state of Minnesota, you can be charged with a BWI if your blood alcohol content is 0.08%, which is the same legal limit as drunk driving. If you are going to drink on your boat, make sure you designate a sober operator.
Stay Focused
Distracted boating is just as dangerous as distracted driving. Without lanes, road signs or breaks, it’s important that you keep a look out for other boats, fisherman, swimmers, kayaks as well as floating debris and your depth.
Don’t Speed
While there may not always be a posted speed limit, it is against the law in Minnesota to operate a watercraft in a careless or reckless manner. It’s a good idea to look up specific speed limits for where you are boating before heading out as many waterways enforce strict speed limits, have different nighttime limits and no-wake zones where boaters must drop to 5 mph (or “no wake” speed) when within a certain range of shorelines, docks, swimmers or anchored vessels.
Monitor the Weather
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable with sudden summer thunderstorms and high winds turning a calm day on the water dangerous in just a few minutes. Check local forecasts often and stay sky aware. If you see dark clouds on the horizon, feel the temperature suddenly drop or the wind pick up, get to shore as soon as possible.
Have Lifejackets & Safety Equipment on Board
Minnesota law requires one US Coast Guard approved, properly sized, and easily accessible life jacket for each person on the boat and children under age ten are required to wear a life jacket while boating. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher, flares, navigation lights, a whistle, horn or siren, a first-aid kit and an anchor on board.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Boating Accident
Preparation and active awareness are both key to boat safety, but accidents still happen. If you or a loved one has been in a boat accident, the personal injury attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group in Uptown, Minneapolis are here to help. We’re committed to providing expert legal counsel no matter your claim.
When it comes to boating accidents, you’ll want a lawyer who is also experienced in the insurance process. With over 20 years of personal injury law experience, we’ll take your injury seriously and work hard to ensure you’re fully compensated for your losses. Call now for a free, no-obligation case review and let us get to work for you. You don’t pay unless we win.