Every year, the U.S. Coast Guard compiles a list of statistics from all fifty states and five U.S. territories of reported recreational boating accidents. The numbers on these reports from year to year are staggering. As of 2011, there was approximately $52 million dollars of property damage as a result of recreational boating accidents and the number one contributing factor towards these accidents was due to the operators’ inattention.
Recreational boating around the country is getting popular and the water is getting quite busy, so it is important to learn how to drive your boat and to navigate the waterways safely. For starters, every person who is even considering boating should take a boating safety course. Boating safety courses are inexpensive and critical for learning the “Rules of the Road” on the waterways. Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need to familiarize themselves with boating safety rules and operation. Boating education requirements vary by state and some even require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless, it is always important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course, or there are some online tutorials to help educate novice boaters. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron have teamed up across the country to make it convenient and easy to learn how to boat. Most waterfront communities offer a number of opportunities to take classes at a boating store or a local college, and even a community center. Generally, they will meet one evening a week for 7-9 weeks in the fall or winter, although other arrangements are available throughout the year. Your only expense would be the cost of the workbook which is a minimal considering the knowledge you will gain by taking these classes.
So, good luck on the purchase of your new boat. We hope you have a wonderful, but safe boating season.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise you to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We can offer a complete line of personal & commercial insurance products for all of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.