Category: <span>BOATING ACCIDENTS</span>

The 4th of July weekend is one of the highlights of the summer: barbecues, the beach and friends and family. It’s also one of the biggest weekends for boating. With so many great spots and sandbars in South Florida, boaters and their friends will be spending most of their time on the water. That means more traffic, more drinking and a greater chance of a boating accident.

Boaters have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to boating accidents: not only to themselves and to their vessel, but also to their passengers. According to a report by the US Coast Guard, there were 4,064 recreational boating accidents last year, resulting in 672 deaths, 3,153 injuries and $35.5 million in property damage. Alcohol use was the leading cause of deaths from a boating accident.

With this in mind, it’s important that passengers know how to enjoy their voyage safely. Here are a few tips for passengers to follow to help prevent boating accidents this weekend:

• Pay attention to any safety instructions that the driver/operator provides
• Wear a life preserver and make sure that your children wear one as well • Avoid excessive drinking while at sea • Follow any posted precautionary rules and speed limits • Take added precautions when boating at night • Do not operate a boat if you have been drinking and/or if you don’t have prior experience • Avoid heavy traffic areas and spots known for heavy partying/drinking • If you have been involved in a boating accident, seek medical attention immediately
We hope that you enjoy a safe and fun-filled 4th of July weekend.

Sean Kingston, the 21-year-old hip hop star, is currently in critical condition after a watercraft accident on Memorial Day in South Florida. Several artists, including Justin Beiber and Nicki Minaj, have posted their thoughts and prayers via Twitter.

Kingston, according to Yahoo and MTV, was traveling on his jet ski with a female passenger when the two were injured after crashing into the Palm Island Bridge in Miami.

Watch the video on the accident from The Showbiz 411 , posted on YouTube:

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ7nJwYnycc
 

A passing boater saw the accident and took Kingston and the female on his boat. So far, the investigation does not show any signs that alcohol was involved. The two were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Boating is a popular recreational activity in South Florida. It’s important that boaters of all ages follow all the rules and guidelines to keep themselves and their passengers safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this boating accident. If you have been injured in a watercraft or boating accident, call our offices and consult with one of our attorneys to ensure that your rights are protected.