Common Boating Accidents And Their Causes

Boating can be a great way to turn a beautiful day into a maritime adventure, but like any vehicle, accidents are always a possibility. We here at Nisswa Marine want to help you prepare and avoid them if possible, so we’ve put together some of the most common causes of boating accidents. To learn more, or if you just want to see the boats we have for sale, contact our store in Nisswa, Minnesota, today!

Distraction

All it takes is a few seconds of not paying attention to end up in a nasty marine collision. When operating a boat, you have to be able to tune out the radio, passengers, and other distractions. Keep your eyes on the water and remember to scan ahead to avoid trouble.

Inexperience

Anyone who’s new to boating is bound to find themselves in some awkward situations, which only gets worse if they head out into high-traffic areas or dangerous waters. If you’re relatively green, stick to open, calm water with few other boats when possible. 

Intoxication

One of the biggest reasons for boating accidents is probably easy to guess: alcohol and recreational drug use while operating a boat, or just prior to doing so. Passengers might be able to safely enjoy a drink or two while on the water, but anyone who’s expected to operate the boat needs to remain 100% sober for the duration of the journey. Save your beer for a dockside restaurant, and remember that marijuana in any amount can also impact your judgement and slow your reaction time. It’s best to avoid any and all mind-altering substances while operating any vehicle, and your boat is on that list.

Operating Unsafely

Reckless piloting and unsafe speeds are another common factor in boating accidents. On the open water, you’re certainly able to hit some fun speeds, but if there are other vessels and people around, you should slow down. High speeds not only increase the chances of a collision, but also create large wakes that can capsize smaller craft and interfere with fishing. You should also always return to the harbor or marina at a slow and steady pace to avoid literally rocking boats. 

Poor Maintenance

Like any vehicle, your boat relies on you to keep it in good working order. If there’s damage or an overdue maintenance task, that can drastically impact how your boat operates. Operating it while neglecting maintenance can cause malfunctions that see you lose control of the boat entirely, at best, and actually cause an engine fire at worst. Stay on top of any and all maintenance tasks as recommended in your owner’s manual.

Need some help keeping your boat in tiptop shape? Contact us at Nisswa Marine to have our technicians take a look at it, or if you’re on the market for a new boat entirely. We proudly serve the people of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota—let us serve you today!