Throughout the United States there are thousands of miles of coastline and many large inland lakes, rivers and other waterways. Sailing, jet skiing, boating and other recreational activities like windsurfing are popular and enjoyable ways to spend time on the water but each year the United States Coast Guard responds to far too many boating accidents for it to be assumed that boating is completely safe. The refreshing open sky and sparkling water can quickly take a turn from beautiful to treacherous when something goes awry far from shore and approximately 10% of all accidents involving boats results in a fatality.

Though there are a wide variety of causes, the three most common causes of boating accidents are alcohol abuse, negligent operators and inexperienced boat operators.

Alcohol Abuse
It is estimated that more than 50% of boating accident fatalities are caused by the abuse of this recreational substance. Similar to the statistics surrounding motor vehicle fatalities, alcohol abuse negates all the training and experience that a boat operator may have and is a leading cause of the second most common source of boating accidents: negligent boat operators.

Negligent Boat Operators
Being out on the water is relaxing and typically the boat operator is the only person on board with a job to do. Although it might be tempting to forget the heavy responsibility they hold, boat operators must remain alert and attentive to navigating safely and with full awareness. Water and weather conditions as well as the actions of others on the water can be unpredictable and it is essential to remain alert.

Inexperienced Boat Operators
From state to state throughout America statistics show that nearly half of all boating accidents are caused by inexperience. Among those with the least experience are boat renters who occasionally go out onto the water but have not invested time and money into a watercraft of their own. States vary in their regulations for the level of boating education weekend boat operators must undergo, but common sense dictates that this danger can be avoided with practice and education.

It is easy to forget that driving a boat can be as dangerous as, or more dangerous than, operating a motor vehicle; boats move more slowly, encounter other boaters less frequently, and travel over a soft, liquid surface without boundaries rather than the winding curves of hard asphalt roads. Nevertheless similar precautions must be taken to avoid a tragedy on the water.

If you have been in a boating accident then it is absolutely crucial that you receive the advice of an experienced legal team to help you in navigate the treacherous and complex waters of maritime law. Accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation and do their legal work on a contingency fee basis so their clients have nothing to lose and everything to gain.