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Boat Accident Causes & Prevention Tips

Dec. 5 2022 Health & Safety By New England Watersports

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You’ve probably enjoyed plenty of great adventures on your boat, but there is always a risk of an accident occurring and you may be worried about that. Typically, though, boat accidents happen when people are careless, so if you’re a responsible boat operator and owner, you’re less likely to find yourself in trouble. Here are our tips on how to avoid boating crises.

1. Stay Focused

Distractions are everywhere when you’re on a boat. You might have people trying to engage you in a conversation, your phone may be buzzing with notifications, or you might be fiddling with the radio. A lack of focus is a common reason why people run into trouble on boats, so make sure that you’re staying focused on what you’re doing while operating the boat. Keep your eyes on the water and ask your passengers to leave you out of the debates until you’ve stopped the boat.

2. Don’t Drink or Use Drugs

Another common culprit when it comes to boat accidents is intoxication. While you might enjoy a cold beer on the water, it’s best if you stay sober, even if your passengers are drinking. Also, recreational drugs are legal in many jurisdictions, but that doesn’t mean you should use them before or during a boat trip. If you’re intoxicated on any type of substance, you won’t be able to react as quickly in an emergency and you’re more likely to behave recklessly, endangering you and those around you.

3. Maintain Your Boat

Finally, you may end up in a boat accident if your boat is neglected. Staying on top of maintenance significantly reduces your chances of ending up in an accident, because your boat is less likely to act up on you if you’ve been taking good care of it. Remember that you can always get in touch with the New England Water Sports service department if you ever need help with boat maintenance.

Visit our dealership in Naples, ME, to check out our fine selection of new and used boats for sale. Talk to our sales team to discuss your boat financing options if you’d like to use them. New England Water Sports serves the areas of Long Lake and Sebago Lake here in Maine.