Prepare for Enjoyable and Safe Summer Activities with These 6 Guidelines
by Lisa A. Beach
For numerous families, few things are more enjoyable than a day by the water, but it’s essential to follow certain practices to guarantee that your outdoor fun is safe.
While many of us might still need reminders about applying sunscreen, there are more critical issues to consider—such as the risks associated with boating, swimming, and consuming alcohol.
First, here are some important statistics to consider:
• Drowning ranks as the third leading cause of injury-related fatalities among individuals aged 19 and younger, as per Safe Kids Worldwide.
• Almost 85% of those who drown in boating accidents in Texas were not wearing life jackets, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
• Alcohol is involved in 50% of all boating incidents, according to the Boat Owners Association of the United States.
Use these facts to promote a discussion about water safety, boating, and alcohol, and consider the following top safety recommendations:
1) Be aware of your environment
Swimming in a pool differs greatly from swimming in open water, where cold temperatures, strong currents, sharp rocks, uneven terrain, submerged objects, and unpredictable weather can elevate risks.
2) Steer clear of alcohol
Alcohol leads to dehydration, slows reaction times, and disrupts balance, coordination, and sound judgment. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department highlights that the chance of fatality in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.
3) Always wear a life jacket,
even if you are a proficient swimmer.
4) Never swim alone
Opt for swimming in designated areas overseen by lifeguards. If that’s unavailable, always swim with a partner for assistance if needed.
5) Keep others informed
Before heading out for swimming or boating, inform someone on land about your plans and the time you expect to return.
6) Be prepared
Acquire knowledge about CPR. With over 580,000 registered boats in Texas, education is vital. The Texas Water Safety Act mandates boater education training for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993.
It’s essential to remember that boating while intoxicated is illegal, just as driving under the influence is. According to Texas’ Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) law, “a person who appears impaired and/or registers a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or above while operating a boat can face arrest.” This can lead to up to 180 days in jail, fines that reach $2,000, and a suspended driver’s license.
Even in instances where alcohol isn’t a factor, there are questions of liability if the individual operating your boat or jet ski causes an accident.
“The legal responsibilities and regulations that apply to auto driving are closely aligned with those for boating,” states Robert L. Chaiken, an attorney and partner at Chaiken & Chaiken P.C. in Plano, specializing in civil litigation, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. “If you’re navigating a boat and create an accident, you hold the same liability as if you were behind the wheel of a car—towards those in your vehicle and anyone else involved in the accident.”
Considering liability, what if an accident occurs at your lake property?
“If someone gets injured on your property at the lake, your concerns regarding liability and responsibility would be similar to those you face in your own home,” comments Chaiken. His recommendation? “Secure the same insurance protection (homeowners insurance) for your lake house as you carry for your primary residence.”
To merge enjoyment with safety, it ultimately requires a common-sense approach.
“Limit the number of guests at your lake house, identify them beforehand, and ensure their parents are informed,” advises Chaiken. “Additionally, be aware of your children’s maturity levels and sense of responsibility, establish clear rules, discuss acceptable behavior, and check in with your kids regularly to oversee what they are doing when they are unsupervised.”
Editor’s Note: For information on approved boater education courses, visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/boatered/ or call (800) 792-1112. Most course fees start at $20, but boaters can take a free online course available through The BoatUS Foundation.
