Minnesota Boating Accidents

Minnesota has more registered watercraft per person than any other state in the United States. With the increasing popularity of boating, along with the boom of personal watercraft like jet skis, there is more water traffic than ever on Minnesota’s more than 15,000 lakes. Unfortunately this proliferation of water craft has also increased the risk for serious boating injuries and deaths on the water.

While these kinds of accidents can occur for many different reasons, there are three main causes of boating accidents. Alcohol is the number one cause of water craft accidents that result in injury. It is estimated that boat operators who are intoxicated are ten times more likely to be involved in a serious accident. Inexperienced boaters and boat malfunction are the other main causes of accidents of this kind. Beyond causal factors, the most common types of boating accidents are collisions. Collisions can occur with other boats, personal watercraft, swimmers or fixed objects such as docks and piers. Additionally slip and falls due to wet surfaces, boat sinking or tipping, and boat fires are also significant contributors to the numbers of water related accidents.

When an accident such as this occurs there are certain steps that should be taken. Those involved, should seek immediate medical assistance as needed, internal injuries can be sustained that may not be immediately noticed. If a second boat was involved information needs to be exchanged such as names and boat numbers, this is required by law in Minnesota. Boating accidents should also be reported to the county sheriff. Reporting is required by law if there is damage exceeding $2,000, personal injuries, or fatalities.

Simple safety practices can help to prevent a disaster on the water. Drowning from a boat capsizing or a person falling from the boat causes over half of all recreational boating fatalities every year, this makes wearing a life jacket very important. Alcohol should never be used while operating a boat or other water craft. Boaters should also consider taking boating safety courses, especially if they are inexperienced on the water.

Boating in the summer is a great experience and can be a lot of fun. Minnesota has many lakes available for fishing, leisure boating, swimming, water skiing, and all other types of fun in the sun. This makes Minnesota unique and attractive to water lovers everywhere. By using common sense and being more careful everyone can enjoy it even more.

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